NFL to explore following college football's lead when it comes to targeting
The NFL has lagged behind college football for years when it comes to preventing big hits on defenseless players.
Though the college targeting rule is by no means perfect, it’s something that is a step in the right direction.
According to Troy Vincent, the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations, the league will explore immediate ejections for big hits, complete with video review, in the coming seasons:
The Committee is also exploring ways — including considering immediate ejections or suspensions — to take dangerous hits out of our game
— Troy Vincent (@TroyVincent23) March 21, 2017
We'll communicate this to our coaches and players with video examples of flagrant hits that may result in ejection or suspension
— Troy Vincent (@TroyVincent23) March 21, 2017
It sounds like any future rule changes are currently in the very early discussion stages, so whether there are any new guidelines in 2017 remains to be seen.
Still, it seems the NFL is taking a step in the right direction toward keeping their players safer on the field.
