Let's give them something to talk about....

It's Friday.... I do have a job, but I still aint got shit to do! So let's chat. You and I both know you don't want touch another spreadsheet this week anyway. The NFL is going to discuss some rule changes at the Owner's meetings next week. Just a few of the topics are a hair rule, new playoff format, and the force out.

Hair Rule
It's common place now in the NFL for guys to have flowing locks of hair protruding out from under their helmets. Troy Polamalu, and Ricky Williams fit the profile, and have have both been tackled by their curly, dreaded locks. Which raises the safety question. As it stands now the rule basically states that the player's hair is considered an extension of the jersey. The Kansas City Chiefs proposed that the league make it a rule that a player's hair should not cover the name on the back of the jersey. The mad genius at One For The Other Thumb thinks that it's a dumb rule, and I am inclined to agree. If it is an issue of safety then make it an illegal tackle. Amend the horse collar rule to include hair. If a guy is only able to make a tackle by grabbing hair, it means that he go beat. It's a last ditch effort. Thankfully the rule would not force players to cut their hair, they would just have to tuck it inside their helmets. Polamalu's hair is a part of his cultural identity, and he shouldn't be forced to cut it. This rule seems more like a marketing strategy, than a safety concern.

Playoff format
The competition committee has proposed a plan that would give Wild-Card teams a chance to host a home playoff game. The proposal would slot playoff seeds 3-6 by record. For example the Giants 10-6 wouldn't have had to open the playoffs at Tampa Bay 9-7 or Jacksonville 11-5 would not have had to go to Pittsburgh 10-6. I am not sure how I to feel about it, but my initial reaction was one of approval. It really doesn't matter either way, the format is never going to be flawless.

Receiver Force Out
It is being proposed that the pushed portion of the rule be removed. Rich McKay of the Atlanta Falcons, and Co-Chairman of the Competition committee had this to say, "The rule says a receiver can't be carried or pushed out of bounds by an opponent." he continued on stating, "We would delete 'pushed'...There are so many levels of judgment that go into a force-out call. This would be much more consistent. Either you get your feet down or not." I think that's a stupid idea. Get rid of the rule all together. Especially if your argument is that you get your feet down or don't. Removing the push out aspect makes no sense at all. That gives way to a defense just tee-ing off on a receiver who jumps straight up in the air to make the catch. The momentum aspect of the rule should be the part that is removed, if the rule is going to be changed.

So, that's all I got for ya today. Read it. Add your 2 cents.... Do you as please.

In Eagles News:
Linebacker and Special Teamer Rocky Boiman signed a one year deal. I give it 2 thumbs up.
Te Kris Wilson signed a three year deal.

Have a great weekend everyone, and have a drink you earned it!