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I disagree with the notion of lack of padding that makes rugby safer. I think it's the structure of the game. In football, once the receiver or running back h
by appleiigs 9y ago
I disagree with the notion of lack of padding that makes rugby safer. I think it's the structure of the game.
In football, once the receiver or running back has the ball, he is going to take a hit - likely from a defender who has been in full sprint for a good distance. Once he has the ball, he has 11 other players containing/funneling him and focused on crushing him.
In rugby, the ball carrier can pass or kick. That makes the game more one-on-one because the opposing team has to cover their guy. The width of the field needs to be considered. As a defender, you can't be reckless, you have to make sure you make the tackle. This means you go lower, you tackle the waist and slide down the legs of the runner.
I played at a decent level of rugby when I was younger... rugby players are not afraid of getting hurt. They do not ease up on a tackle because "i'm not wearing a helmet".
- grasshopperpurp 9y agoThe NFL could limit some of the injuries to receivers and DB's by allowing illegal contact (less space = less speed prior to contact), but it'd hurt the offenses, and the league doesn't want low-scoring games. They could also limit the amount of zone that teams are allowed to play, but at that point, the sport begins to look very different.
- valleyer 9y agoThey could counteract the disadvantage to offenses by allowing holding by the offense in the tackle box. This would have the extra benefit of protecting backs better from being blindsided. It's hard to gauge the effects of these kinds of changes without letting them play out, but I for one would love to see the NFL try this combination for a year.
- dragonwriter 9y ago> They could also limit the amount of zone that teams are allowed to play How would that even work?
- kasey_junk 9y agoThey could literally mandate where defenders line up to make zone more difficult. They did the same with offensive lines after all.
- grasshopperpurp 9y agoYeah, it would have to be something similar to illegal defense in basketball. Trying to officiate that does sound like a nightmare, though.