The latest NFL rule change – one that outlaws the “horse collar” tackle – has left some Broncos defenders feeling defenseless.
“Well, they’ve got to stay consistent,” cornerback Champ Bailey said Thursday after Denver’s team-camp practice. “They do it every year. They’ve got to make it harder for us every year.”
“They” are the NFL’s competition committee. Last week, NFL owners, voting on a recommendation from the committee, agreed by a 27-5 margin to ban such tackles in the open field. Utilizing the tackle could draw a 15-yard penalty next season. Violators also could be fined.
A “horse collar” tackle is when a defender grabs the inside of an opponent’s shoulder pads from behind and yanks the player down. The forceful and swift yanking, the committee concluded, increases the risk of injury.
It is important to note the rule applies only to plays in the open field, thus allowing a lineman to collar a running back near the line of scrimmage. Also, quarterbacks in the pocket can be taken down from behind by the shoulder pads.
Some have referred to the now-banned tackle as the “Roy Williams Rule,” because the Dallas Cowboys safety often used the technique and last season was involved in plays that seriously injured Tennessee receiver Tyrone Calico, Philadelphia wide receiver Terrell Owens and Baltimore running back Musa Smith.
When Williams dragged down Owens late last season, he suffered a broken right leg and torn ankle ligaments that sidelined him for the final two regular-season games and two playoff games. Owens returned for Super Bowl XXXIX.
After reviewing plays from the 2004 season, the competition committee noted at least a half-dozen cases of players injured on “horse collar” tackles. The committee hopes to prevent injuries caused when legs, knees and ankles buckle under the pressure of a sudden yank from behind.
Defensive backs, under scrutiny for violent open-field hits on receivers and strapped by the so-called no-touch rule – which prohibits them from touching receivers 5 yards off the line of scrimmage – say their hands are being tied.
Broncos safety Nick Ferguson said the new rule is perplexing.
“It is a tough rule, because what are you supposed to do if a guy is on the verge of running past you?” Ferguson said. “So you go, ‘Well, if I horse-collar him, as they technically call it now, then I’m going to get a flag.’
“But what if he scores, and it’s a pivotal part of the game? But if it’s at the risk of winning or losing, I’m going to have to take that penalty.”
Bailey said it’s difficult to legislate a violent game.
“In heat of the battle, anything can happen,” he said. “Unfortunately, people get hurt, but that’s the risk you take when you play this game.”
Fan Fair on tap
The 2005 Denver Broncos Fan Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Invesco Field at Mile High. A limited number of tickets are available through Ticketmaster outlets and at the Invesco Field box office. All proceeds from Fan Fair go to benefit the Denver apharities Fund.
Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-820-5459 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
