Brutal Hits

I don't see what all the fuss is about the NFL cracking down on some of the brutal hits from defensive players last week that wound up with those offensive players suffering concussions.

First, like it or not, offense is what drives the NFL. I'm proof of this. The Bengals were no scoring machine last season, but they won the division by tough defense and running the ball. And you know what, they struggled to sell out their home games. Back in 2005 when they had offense coming out their ears and they could score on anyone at will, they had no problem selling out the joint. Simply put - fewer people want to watch a 15-12 slug fest. Most of us love the 33-30 shoot outs. And it's tough to do that when your star receivers are knocked out for three weeks with head injuries.

Second, head injuries are no laughing matter. Again, look at the Bengals. They had trouble with Chris Henry until he finally jumped out of a moving vehicle last year and died. An autopsy revealed that he has significant brain damage - that most likely contributed to his negative behavior - from concussions and hits to the head. It's not just a safety issue, but a life saving issue. If you don't believe me, just look at some of the former stars and see how they are doing. You'd be surprised at all the mental deficiencies many suffer.

Third, the NFL always changes the rules. Just as Dick "Night Train" Lane. In the 50's and 60's he used to tackle by the face mask. Until they made it illegal. Then he clothes lined people. That too was made illegal. The same is true for pass interference and roughing the passer more recently. The modern players will adapt to this rule change too. I recall even President Teddy Roosevelt worrying about the NFL's dangerous formations, which resulted in several players' deaths, so the mass formation and gang tackling was made illegal.

Fourth, defensive players should be pissed . . . because this will illustrate how few NFL players can really tackle. Outside of Antoine Winfield of MN, few are real tacklers. Most are just incredibly large men who are built like statues and can through their arms out and knock someone down. You know this is true. Just watch an NFL game, and you'll be amazed at the number of missed tackles. Get back to basics and you won't have to worry so much.

Fifth, players are just too damn big and strong today. Just watch classic games on the NFL Network to see this. I was shocked when I watched the 1988 Super Bowl between Cincy and SF. The Bengals had one of the NFL's truly huge offensive lines that averaged shockingly enough, well over 300 pounds. But that is your average offensive line today. In fact, a majority of offensive linemen are in the mid 300's! Linebackers are bigger and faster than ever. When this game is played at such a speed with such big players, serious injuries are going to occur. And - like it always has - the NFL will adjust their rules to protect players and so it can thrive.

Ten years from now, we'll look back at the hits from last week and wonder, how was that ever legal? Just as we watch Night Train Lane and are shocked that he was able to get away with so many face masks and clothes lines.