02-28-2018, 06:48 PM
(02-28-2018, 03:11 PM)shanebo Wrote: I don't support this proposed rule change in the least, as I think it will result in a lot more intentional pass interference by DBs -- anytime a DB is beat by 15 yards or more, ball is in the air, he can tackle the WR pre-catch and it's a win. More thuggery than skill. You already see this to a certain extent in college and in the end zone in the NFL, followed by the obligatory color commentator remark "good defensive play, better than a huge gain/touchdown." Meanwhile I'm fuming b/c my team's WR just got destroyed by a dirty DB ... IMO the only reason this rule works in college is because college WRs are generally more open than NFL WRs -- often the DBs can't get to them to trip/tackle them before the ball gets there. That said, I doubt this rule passes because it runs contrary to the focus on offense and scoring in today's NFL.
Re No. 2 - I think Belicheck and the better coaches/coordinators will tell their DBs to interfere whenever they feel they're beat long. I'm guessing we'll see the Pats, Steelers, Eagles, and Vikings doing this from the outset, virtually eliminating long TDs against them. Merv won't get it for at least 2-3 years, though.
It doesn't even have to be a dirty play by a corner or safety. If the receiver is more than 15 yds. downfield, and the DB is beaten, it's a no brainer to interfere with the catch. That doesn't have to be a hard tackle, it can be grabbing an arm or simply putting your hands in front of his face without turning to look for the ball. so it's 15 yds. instead of 20, 30, whatever it is. As a matter of fact, if I were a DB coach and my players weren't doing this, I'd be pissed. On the upswing, Kirkpatrick instantly becomes better..... but I'm against it.
