Perhaps the most controversial rule change in the NFL this upcoming season is the league’s decision to back the “hip-drop” style of tackle in which a player grabs the ball carrier from behind, drops his hips, and lands with his body weight on their back legs. But it sounds like legendary coach Bill Belichick is a fan of the change.
This week, Bill Belichick interviewed NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for his new role with The Pat McAfee Show. During their conversation, Bill Belichick made it very clear that he is glad the league is banning the style of tackle, saying there is “no place for it” in the game.
“It’s a good thing to get rid of. There’s really no place for it. It’s just good to continue to keep the game safe for the players,” Belichick said during the interview according to Pro Football Talk.
Goodell made the point that the hip-drop tackle has led to far more injuries proportionally than any other type of tackle.
“When you see a play that is greater than 20 times the injury rate, and most of those injuries are pretty severe, they’re career-ending or season ending, you’ve got to make the change,” Goodell said.
“It’s definitely helped the game be safer,” Belichick said.
We’ll have to see how the new rule is enforced.
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