In tonight's overhyped mid-season match-up between the Colts and the Pats, Dwight Freeney almost sacked Tom Brady. The play was just before halftime, right before the interception that allowed the Colts to drain the clock and head to the locker room. Thus, it had no effect on the outcome. But, it says a lot about how roughing the passer has changed over the years and why they need to loosen the reins.
Freeney beat his man and was nearing Brady as Brady moved his arm forward. Brady didn't let go of the ball, possibly because Freeney was approaching. Freeney held up so that he wouldn't be penalized for hitting Brady late, even though he was getting there right after the ball would have been thrown. After the pump fake and a slight collision, Brady backpedaled ... Freeney realized he should have laid the wood to him the first time and chased him ... but Brady threw a complete pass before Freeney could get to him again.
The referees, and league officials and rules committees, etc, are forcing the players to think too much on the field. If they don't want people leading with their helmets, cover the helmets in a little bit of padding so they aren't a weapon. If they don't want QB's getting hurt, but flags on them for the defenders to grab. You can't have it both ways. It can't be football and be totally safe. I vote for football ... although Tiki might stick around for a couple more years if it's two-hand touch.
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