NFL owners and club officials voted Wednesday on a new rule for offensive players eliminating contact with the crown of the helmet.
The rule change comes at a time when safety concerns is at an all-time high in the NFL.
On Sunday when Bears starting RB Matt Forte first heard about the possibility of the rule change he was flat out upset.
“The proposed rule change for RB’s might be the most absurd suggestion of a rule change I’ve ever heard of,” said Forte via Twitter. “You can’t change the instinctive nature of running the football.”
I agreed with Forte on Sunday and I agree with even more now that rule has been set in stone.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell clearly has team officials on his side when it comes to player safety. I agree rules need to be changed, but not a rule like this that not only favors the defender and like Forte said changes the “instinctive nature” of the game.
Earlier on Wednesday Forte took to Twitter once again to make his frustration with the new rule change known.
“Wow so they really passed that rule…last time I checked football was a contact sport. Calling bank now to set up my lowering the boom fund.”
He went on to say in a series of tweets:
“I guess I’ll get my fine money ready. “Next year they’ll probably be a no jumping over defenders rule.”
He used the hashtag: loweringtheboomfund in all three of his tweets about the new rule change implemented by the NFL on Wednesday.
I understand Forte’s frustration. He is a humble guy who just wants a fair chance at succeeding. The rule change really favors the defensive side.
The referees will be instructed to throw a flag when its apparent a running back leads with his helmet. This rule change will be similar to the helmet-to-helmet rule implemented a couple seasons ago in terms of penalties called.
Only more rule changes will come because of all the safety concerns. But Forte and the rest of the NFL running backs have to try and alter their game now while they have time.
It is disappointing to see such a physical sport such as football design a rule that makes it look soft. The NFL is the top football brand in the world and arguably the biggest sports league in the world.
Roger Goodell is going to get more backlash than he ever has from players this upcoming week. Expect fines aplenty from the NFL on players criticizing this rule change on social media.
Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker and on Facebook for up to the minute news about the Chicago Bears.
