An NFL preseason game was suspended this past weekend after a player was carted off the field following a targeted hit. Even in preseason games, players are using their helmets to target other players, and I can't help but wonder why, since the rules are so clear and the NFL has done so much to bring attention to targeting with the helmet.
Reaction to my observation was swift and there were a few callers that argued that the players have instincts that lead them to target with their helmets. One caller made the point that the players are big and fast and it is their momentum - not their intent - that causes them to lead with their helmets. I agreed with the callers that said the target hits are accidental and the result of two bodies crashing together in real time. But it seems the reasons given were not actual excuses.
Players know the rules, and while some helmet target hits are purely accidental, I see many players - in college and in the NFL - that are lowering their heads and seemingly targeting with their helmets. Is society so violent today that the violence has carried over into sports? I don't know, but it could be possible.
As for the people who texted that I shouldn't talk about this subject because I know nothing about it, this is typical response for many talk radio listeners regardless of the topic. I played organized football when I was young - but I have never pretended to be an expert. I comment on what I see and I know I'm not the only one who sees targeted hits that do not appear to be an accident.
For those who argue that you shouldn't talk about anything or analyze anything unless you have first-hand experience with it - then ALL those who criticize President Biden, Nancy Pelosi, ex-President Trump, or Marjorie Taylor Greene should stop criticizing them because they have never been elected to those offices.
As if players are to be excused because it's their "instinct" - then when I'm talking about a heated topic or engaging with a passionate listener on the phone - my "instinct" is the say F*** or Bull**** - but I stop myself because I know it's against the rules.
We don't excuse violent behavior in society because it was someone's "instinct" to pull out a gun and shoot someone. I know there's a difference between shooting someone and targeting a player with your helmet - but what is not different is that both equally involve human "instinct." Players who target with their helmet are held accountable with penalties or suspension - but I am just making the observation that many players are still targeting in ways that look intentional. That's my only point.
