Yo... Moe

**ms_m** · 12-14-2016, 07:00 AM

Originally Posted by thomas96

The biggest problem in the modern NFL regarding concussions right now in my opinion is that players aren't taught proper tackling technique of squaring up a ball carrier and wrapping him up and driving him to the ground while holding him tight. So, many players just launch themselves head first at the ball carrier for what I think are two main reasons. First, it's much easier and doesn't take much practice compared to actually learning how to properly play the game. And second, because players want the huge highlight reel ESPN hits that a majority of fans want to see.

A key example is a rookie from your team [[the Falcons). Safety Keanu Neal your first round pick. Very good young player so far in coverage and knowing where to be to make plays but he does not know how to tackle at all. I haven't seen him wrap up once. When a receiver catches the ball and Neal is nearby to make the tackle he just launches himself head first into the receivers head. And same thing on running backs who get to the second level. This is also very much on the coaching, across the league not just the Falcons.

Ron Rivera, the Panthers head coach, drives me crazy every game with some horrible decisions and inability to adjust at halftime of games. But he does do one thing that I love and I've seen first hand and that's teach proper tackling. Hands on as a head coach, he'll get right in there and place himself in a drill with the LBers or defense. I've seen it in training camp. He was a former LBer for the great Buddy Ryan Bears defense and he wasn't extremely physically gifted so he learned the techniques on defense so well which allowed him to stay in the league for a long time, and what he learned then is what he teaches to players now. Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly are key examples of players whose tackling form is as close to perfect as you can get.

The Rams under Jeff Fisher were probably the worst at it, especially with that dirtbag bounty running defensive coordinator they have.

Wow, Fisher can't catch a break anywhere these days. Is that your EricDickerson?....LOL

But anyhoo, although there are techniques that can be taught to minimize injuries, after watching this documentary it's obvious to me, the best way to preserve the quality of your life in football is to shorten your career or not play at all. There are no techniques to stop the brain from constantly being moved around and hitting the skull over and over. Again, I agree with Jerry Oz, these guys really are modern day gladiators.

At this point though, I do believe it's time for the NFL to stop hiding what they know and have even admitted [[just to walk it back) about the dangers of the sport. I also think the players union should step up as well. Give the players the information they need to know to make more informed decisions. I'm guessing many will play anyway and that's their choice but at least walk into it KNOWING ALL the pros and cons.