Football In March

Football in March doesn't get the recognition it deserves. From September to the first weekend in February, football is the sport the makes the world go 'round. But, in March it doesn't get the mention that it deserves. Maybe that could be due to the fact the biggest tournament in sports is being played at the same time. But that doesn't mean we should shove our favorite football team's foam fingers to the back of the closet until the leaves turn.

(AP Photo/Paul Connors, File)

For starters, the rule change. Runningbacks being charged with a penalty for lowering their helmets before running into a defender. That is the clear  and dry version of the rule. Let's put it this way. The 200 pound guy running with the ball, sees the 270 pound guy coming for his life. The defender lowers his head and leads with the shoulder, it's okay (he can't lead with his head either). But if the runningback lowers his head as he braces for impact that is an offensive penalty. All I can say is wow. I understand the reasoning behind it. Roger Goodell, the NFL's Commissioner, wants a safer league. He should, all the old veterans are suing him because of past head injuries.

I just don't believe this is going to solve any issues. Playing in a game that demands instant reaction doesn't allow for players to think about whether or not they should duck their head. A single play can last just a few seconds and it is human nature to brace yourself before contact. Especially when the contact you are bracing for could put you in the hospital.