Retired Australian rugby great and Fox League expert Matty Johns has offered a solution for a major issue plaguing the NFL. Johns believes that the NFL should follow the National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia’s footsteps and eliminate the dangerous hip-drop tackle from the game. According to Johns, the tackle has resulted in numerous career-threatening injuries in the NRL, and the same trend is being observed in the NFL this season.
The hip-drop tackle occurs when a defensive player leads with his hip and uses his body weight on the legs of the ball carrier. This technique, often utilized by smaller players to bring down larger opponents, has led to injuries for players like Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, and Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill.
The NFL’s executive vice president of communications, public affairs, and policy, Jeff Miller, has stated that the injury rate for this tackle is 25 times higher compared to other tackling methods. As a result, there is a growing movement led by commissioner Roger Goodell to ban the hip-drop tackle from the game.
Matty Johns, who has closely observed the NFL in recent times, supports this initiative but also acknowledges that the implementation won’t be easy, particularly at the beginning. He recalls the challenges faced by the NRL when they initially banned the technique, with debates arising about whether certain incidents were deliberate or accidental. However, the NRL took a strict stance and automatically suspends players who use the hip-drop technique.
According to Johns, this rule has successfully made defenders focus on improving their technique. He argues that accidental injuries caused by poor technique should also be penalized, drawing a parallel to accidental head hits in rugby that result in suspensions. Johns believes that the NFL needs to adopt a zero-tolerance policy for the hip-drop tackle, regardless of whether it was intentional or accidental. This approach, according to Johns, will lead to better defensive techniques and ultimately reduce injuries and prolong careers.
Despite criticisms from some NFL players and coaches about the potential ban, claiming that it takes away from the toughness of the sport, Johns emphasizes that the decision is about player safety and not about making the game softer. He believes that the ban will prompt teams to adjust their defensive techniques and improve their overall approach to tackling.
Implementing the ban may pose challenges for the NFL, including determining how to police the tackles effectively. However, Johns asserts that player safety should always be a priority.
As the NRL prepares to open its season in the U.S. and play a double-header at Allegiant Stadium shortly after the Super Bowl, Johns hopes that the NFL will take the necessary steps to prioritize player safety and follow the NRL’s lead in eliminating the hip-drop tackle.
In John’s opinion, the benefits of eradicating the dangerous tackle far outweigh any concerns about the impact on the game’s toughness. By enforcing a ban, the NFL can create a safer environment for players and protect their careers.
