So I heard on NFL Network today at work that the NFL passed a new rule that would forbid ball-carriers from leading with the crown of their helmets when outside the tackle box. I'm curious what football fans think of this rule.

I personally feel it's the final nail in the coffin to the running game in the NFL.

Over the past several years, there have been many rules passed to make passing easier and it's made teams go to the air a lot more and almost abandon their running games. It's gotten to the point where no one plays smash-mouth football, grinding it out for a few yards on 3rd and short anymore. They just pass. Running has become unpopular and the role of the running back devalued. Now with this latest rule, it's going to be so much harder for running backs to establish themselves in the league. It's pretty much instinctual for these guys to lower their heads and brace themselves for an oncoming tackle. Now they can't legally do it. As if power backs weren't already a thing of the past, this is really going to be the case now as it's hard to run over someone if you're worried about making sure to keep your head up. This may also lead to an increase in fumbles as you create more space for the defender to grab at the ball and try to rip it free.

Thoughts?

Crazy Li : Thoughts? It's a stupid rule. It never should have gotten passed. Football will be a lot worse because of it. I hope nothing like that ever happens with college football.

I'm not very pleased about the new rule. My guess is that it won't last long.

College Football already has an even stupider rule in place with the no pre-touchdown celebration rule so if this new rule passes into college ball then that's gonna be a bigger blow.

Azul Fria : Who cares about pre-touchdown celebrations? I actually think it's a silly thing to do. Celebrating when you didn't even score? All you're doing his holding up the game. I think they're right to issue penalties if someone celebrates inappropriately.

I remember watching the Niners play the Packers in this past playoffs. Kaepernick ran for a 15-yard first down and then spiked the ball in celebration like he really did something special. I mean... sure, it was a great run and a much-needed play... but he should be focusing on finishing off the drive, not a mere first down. I think the 15-yard penalty that came to follow was helpful in bringing him back down to earth.

This is an awful rule. Like you said, running backs are already almost unneeded positions now. And if they do get to carry the ball, they won't get very far. You need to get your body low to be able to avoid the tackles. I hope this rule get's kicked out as soon as possible.  I know they are trying to make it safer, but eventually, you are not just changing the rules, you are changing the game, and if they change the game, nobody will watch. Football NEEDS to have the big hits, and all these things that they are trying to eliminate, or it won't be football. As of now, the players know what they are getting into. If they don't want the risk, then don't play the sport.

It's a terrible idea. Not only will it kill the running game, or make it harder to avoid fumbles, it will also make backs more susceptible to injury. You're putting a sign on him that says "hit me, please!". No tucking = vulnerability.

Yeah, it doesn't REALLY make the game safer... because you make it more dangerous to be a running back. Even if you made it safer for a tackler, you make it more dangerous for the one being tackled as a trade-off... and isn't that the person who needs protection more?

There was a new rule? I sure never heard of it, But, okay. I agree with Barathemos. I am also a Falcons fan as well, and this is not good for Jackson.

I myself am not a big fan of this rule.  I know they'e trying to make the game more safe but this is a little bit too over the top.  It basically makes runners defenseless in some situations.