11-15-2017, 11:57 AM
Helmet to helmet contact when tackling a runner is not a penalty, regardless of what part of the helmet, crown or otherwise, makes contact. If it was a penalty, they'd have to call it on almost every play. Incidental H to H contact is almost inevitable when tackling a runner. There's a lot more latitude in the rule when it comes to tackling a ball carrier.
Sacking a QB in the pocket, or hitting a 'defenseless' receiver is a different story, different rule.
What IS a penalty, is actually leading with your helmet and forcibly using it to initiate the contact. Spearing, or targeting are terms often associated with the penalty. The problem there is that it leaves open a bit of judgement on the part of the officials (and obviously fans) as to intent. Here's where guys like Burfict will get called on anything close, and other players that don't have his reputation as a dirty player, may not.
Sacking a QB in the pocket, or hitting a 'defenseless' receiver is a different story, different rule.
What IS a penalty, is actually leading with your helmet and forcibly using it to initiate the contact. Spearing, or targeting are terms often associated with the penalty. The problem there is that it leaves open a bit of judgement on the part of the officials (and obviously fans) as to intent. Here's where guys like Burfict will get called on anything close, and other players that don't have his reputation as a dirty player, may not.
