NFL bans hip-drop tackle
Also adjusts challenge rules
As we first reported on What Just Happened? which is Live on Thursdays, the NFL is making some major rules changes. The NFL Competition Committee, headed by Chairman Rich McKay, bans the hip-drop tackle. The decision to outlaw the technique was unanimous and was reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The penalty for a hip-drop tackle will result in a loss of 15 yards and an automatic first down.
More rules changes approved, including a team getting a third challenge if one is successful. pic.twitter.com/n6VVm4dKXr
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 25, 2024
Tom Pelissero on Twitter: “Full language on the new rules. pic.twitter.com/mqi2OK8aQo / Twitter”
Full language on the new rules. pic.twitter.com/mqi2OK8aQo
Data indicated that the hip-drop tackle had an injury rate 20-25 times higher than that of other tackles. That is according to Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein.
“This will be a hard one to call on the field. You have to see every element of it,” McKay said, per Rapoport. “We want to make it a rule so we can deal on the discipline during the week.”
Reducing, or eliminating, injuries?
A new penalty has been introduced in football to prevent defenders from dropping their weight onto the legs of offensive players. This rule came into effect after Baltimore Ravens’ tight end, Mark Andrews, missed seven games, including the playoffs, due to an ankle injury he sustained on a hip-drop tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals. During the game, linebacker Logan Wilson dropped his weight to bring Andrews down from behind, but unfortunately, he landed on his ankle, causing the injury.
As more and more techniques are introduced to reduce injuries, one must ask if this will eventually eliminate not only injuries but also typical contact seen in football.
Adam Schefter on Twitter: “The play on which Ravens’ TE Mark Andrews went down and then limped off: pic.twitter.com/UQfYDmZXTT / Twitter”
The play on which Ravens’ TE Mark Andrews went down and then limped off: pic.twitter.com/UQfYDmZXTT
Former Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard suffered a broken leg on a hip-drop tackle during the 2022 playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers.
Yahoo Sports on Twitter: “The NFL has banned the hip-drop tackle after a unanimous decision from the Competition Committee, per @TomPelissero.(📹 @NFL) pic.twitter.com/ZOl9LwG4Vd / Twitter”
The NFL has banned the hip-drop tackle after a unanimous decision from the Competition Committee, per @TomPelissero.(📹 @NFL) pic.twitter.com/ZOl9LwG4Vd
The NFL has made several rule changes for the upcoming season. Firstly, the hip-drop has been banned. Secondly, teams will now earn a third challenge if one of their first two challenges is successful.
Previously, winning both challenges was necessary to earn a third. This new rule barely passed. The committee has also adjusted the language for situations where there are fouls by both teams accompanied by a change of possession. Now allowing for offensive unnecessary roughness or unsportsmanlike conduct fouls to be enforced before the change. There is also ongoing discussion about a change to how kickoffs are handled, but no decision has been made as of yet. It may be put to a vote on Tuesday.