Patriots legend Julian Edelman offers his thoughtful opinion on NFL's newest rule change
For many defensemen in the NFL, they have a clear opinion on the NFL's decision to ban the hip-drop tackle. However, for players on offense it is a different story. Especially considering their lives just got much easier. However, one New England Patriots legend had a very thoughtful opinion on the matter. And he voiced […]
For many defensemen in the NFL, they have a clear opinion on the NFL's decision to ban the hip-drop tackle. However, for players on offense it is a different story. Especially considering their lives just got much easier.
However, one New England Patriots legend had a very thoughtful opinion on the matter. And he voiced it on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"There are two sides to this. I'm all for player safety and hip drop tackles are dangerous, but on the other hand, how is a defensive player supposed to tackle if we take away every method of tackling? #HealthyDebate," Julian Edelman wrote.
He's not wrong. The NFL is putting a stronger focus on player safety. And the hip-drop tackle has become very controversial this past season since it caused numerous injuries.
However, players on defense are running out of options. The ways in which they can bring a player down are getting smaller, making the offense's job a lot easier, while seriously effecting how defensemen play the game.
And some of the players also aren't convinced that this is entirely for player safety.
Patriots captain Ja'Whaun Bentley explained that they should "eliminate the chop block too if we care so much about player safety."
However, receiver Kenyan Drake provided his side of the story.
"i don't care about popular opinion. i lost my right ankle and a quarter of the '21 season to this type of tackle. something had to give and im glad it's not anybody legs/ankles anymore," Drake said.
Everyone was not going to be happy over this new rule, but hearing these different opinions on the matter certainly makes people think.
But Edelman shines a light on both sides of the argument.
Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne has comical reaction to NFL banning hip-drop tackles
Can’t blame him for this one.
