Shotgun Messiahs Posted March 16, 2005 Share Posted March 16, 2005 ESPN.Com The NFL Competition Committee meeting in Hawaii this week will recommend that blind-side plays on "unsuspecting" players -- such as Warren Sapp's block on Packers tackle Chad Clifton on a punt return two years ago -- should be banished under the rules, league sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Tuesday. If the proposal is adopted by owners at next week's league meetings in Maui, it will be specifically written into a broader interpretation of the unnecessary roughness rule. The proposed change came as the result of continued dialogue stemming from Sapp's block on Clifton during a game between the Buccaneers and Packers on Nov. 24, 2003, in Tampa. The play on which Clifton was injured occured in the third quarter, on an interception by cornerback Brian Kelly, and far removed from the action. Video showed that Sapp launched himself into the unsuspecting Clifton, who had his head turned and appeared to be slowing down.Clifton missed the remainder of the 2003 season with severe pelvic injuries. Another play that pushed the committee into action came on a 2004 Monday Night Football game, when Broncos offensive tackle George Foster dislocated the ankle of Bengals defensive linemen Tony Williams who, under the new interpretation, would have been an "unsuspecting player" because the play was beyond him. However, there will be no changes on the controversial cut blocks that are allowed within the designated blocking zone. Also under discussion this week is the specific "horse collar" tackle by Cowboys safety Roy Williams that broke the leg of Eagles receiver Terrell Owens. Williams injured four players with that specific technique, a committee member said Tuesday, and those incidents were still being debated by the committee. Man, Football is turning into a sissy sport! Can't rough the quarterback! No helmet to helmet! No blindside hits! No hitting from behind! What's next? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
broncosn05 Posted March 16, 2005 Share Posted March 16, 2005 Yeah Denver got its fair share of sh*t for the Tony Williams thing but comon it's FOOTBALL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
broncosn05 Posted March 16, 2005 Share Posted March 16, 2005 John Lynch's killing of Dallas Clark is more qualified IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chargerz Posted March 16, 2005 Share Posted March 16, 2005 Man, Football is turning into a sissy sport! Can't rough the quarterback! No helmet to helmet! No blindside hits! No hitting from behind! What's next? 735280[/snapback] EXTREME football!!!! where ANYTHING goes!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikesVikes Posted March 16, 2005 Share Posted March 16, 2005 What's next? A lingerie Bowl? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hitman Posted March 16, 2005 Share Posted March 16, 2005 (edited) John Lynch's killing of Dallas Clark is more qualified IMO. 735299[/snapback] John Lynch....what a fraud. Is that guy still around? I surely didn't see him in the playoff game against Indy. Edited March 16, 2005 by Hitman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikesVikes Posted March 16, 2005 Share Posted March 16, 2005 Some players are naturally more "unsuspecting" than others. Looks like we'll have to shop for players from the bottom of the Wunderlich score instead of the top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigsnell Posted March 16, 2005 Share Posted March 16, 2005 Looks like teams are going to start looking for speed rather than strength. Can you imagine a big ol D Lineman trying to run someone down to grab the flag. They will also start having ballet dancers rather than cheerleaders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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