New helmet rule unlikely to change the performance of the Vikings defense

The NFL has set forth new 2018 rules on player use of helmets when initiating contact. Will this hinder an aggressive Minnesota Vikings defense?

Aside from some tough opponents, in 2018 the Minnesota Vikings and their defense will have to deal with the latest confusing rule added by the NFL this offseason.

The new rule added this year is in regard to helmet-to-player contact and its definition seems pretty self-explanatory.

"“It is a foul if a player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent.”"

The new rule supplements a 2013 rule that stated both runners and tacklers are prohibited from initiating contact with the crown of their helmet outside the tackle box.

Basically, the 2013 rule made kill-shots illegal. What is kind of amazing and certainly disappointing is that the rule had to be made in the first place, and then had to augmented.

The great hitters of this game not named Dick Butkus were pretty clean players. Try and find guys like Lawrence Taylor and Ray Lewis leading with their helmet. John Lynch, Troy Polamalu, when those guys “put a hat on you”, it wasn’t meant literally.

Harrison Smith is considered the Vikings’ big hitter. In fact, they call him “Harry the Hitman”.

From his very flexible safety position, he is known to swoop in and clobber receivers and runners alike. But Smith is a clean player that puts his body in good position when tackling. Rarely, if ever, is he flagged for unnecessary roughness.

Smith was likely taught to tackle correctly most football players are. Square up, lower your weight, wrap and drive through, facemask into the numbers.

Not helmet into the numbers, nor back, ear-hole or opposing helmet, as some young players were coached. There are plenty who would be very surprised at how many young men were reared on the qualities of dirty play.

It’s a shame, but it is a reality.

Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer has shown that, as a coach, he not only reveres the game, but the players that play it. Perish the thought, but there are worse things in life than not blowing up every play.

The coaches in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh are less likely to get the benefit of the doubt in that regard.

Make The Tackle

If the new rule can be considered having an ideal, it would be that the NFL is more interested in good, tough tackles and less in devastating hits.

And that should seem appropriate. This is a game of collision, but the modern helmet was not designed to be used a weapon in the player’s arsenal.

This rule has already created a considerable amount of confusion and complaints from not only players, but coaches and even media folks.

They feel the rule is stated too simply and may be used too quickly and too often by field officials working for front-office types again trying to aid the offenses of the league and increase scoring.

Minnesota Vikings

Maybe, but after the emotional cataclysms and severe injuries resulting from helmet blows by Ryan Shazier, Vontaze Burfict, Danny Trevathan and numerous other players (as well as over $500 million now being litigated against the NFL by the NFLPA in regard to player concussions), it’s time the league tried something dramatic to temper the “nature” of the game, its players, and its coaches.

Look at Seattle Seahawks safety Cam Chancellor. For a guy who loved to drop his head and lower his trademark “boom” on his opponents, his career is most likely over from neck injuries.

That’s not ironic. It’s called cause-and effect.

The new rules may be tough on officials, sure, but if it significantly hinders the performances of certain players, then hopefully it was intended that way.

If their play is bent on jeopardizing their opponent’s health and career, they’re bad guys and they shouldn’t be in this league.