NFL helmet rule enforcement unclear for players, coaches
Visceral blowback to the NFL's updated rule that players can't lead with their helmets to make contact is straight out of tough-guy football 101. Hard-hitting defensive backs say the league is destroying the physical element of the game or lament that it's changing the sport entirely.
"Do they want us to play flag football?" Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard said. "It's crazy."
Beyond the criticism from old-school players bristling at another rule change or point of emphasis is legitimate confusion as to how the enhanced regulations will actually be enforced.