Headset follow-up
A quick follow-up to the rule change that a defensive player will now be allowed to have a communication device in the helmet:
Two players will be designated before each game, and be listed on the pregame deactivation report as the players with the device. The helmets of those players will have a visual indicator to identify they have the device.
Only one player with the device can be on the field. Whenever the backup user enters the game wearing a helmet with a speaker, he must report to the umpire. If the primary user subsequently re-enters the game wearing a helmet with a speaker, he must report to the umpire.
If a player fails to notify the appropriate official of a change in his status when required, it will result in a loss of five yards for illegal substitution.
The teams voting against the proposal were the Packers, Raiders, Eagles, Rams, Seahawks, Buccaneers, and Redskins.
Mike,
At the end of day this new communication for the defense balance things out on both sides of the ball. But as always, the players still have to execute the play that's called. But doesn't this worry you that the NFL is becoming a video game played with real players? Maybe I am too much of a traditionalist and maybe it's been a big video game for some time now.
Seems like this could run into problems when the defense is facing a no-huddle offense and the defensive players won't have much time to report to the umpire. Hopefully they've thought this through completely and know how it will be handled in all situations. If both players get injured then the defense is stuck?
What it both players are on the field at the same time, then the 2nd player has to get a non-audio helmet?
Interesting that all the head coaches (McCarthy, Kiffin, Reid, Linnehan, Holmgren, Gruden, and Zorn) of the teams voting against the proposal are offensive coaches. I believe many of them run West Coast offenses in particular.
Can I be the first to ask "What are green dots on Bruchshi and Seau's helmets for? Is it special recognition based on years of service?" ?
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
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