Bill Belichick, coach of the New England Patriots, has come out in support of a proposed ban on the hip-drop tackle in the NFL.
Speaking in a recent discussion with Commissioner Roger Goodell on the Pat McAfee Show, Belichick expressed his views on this controversial technique, asserting that “it’s good to get rid of- there’s really no place for it.”
Bill Belichick: It's good to get rid of the hip-drop tackle, there's no place for it. https://t.co/lZ7f3gY43V
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 30, 2024
“It’s a good thing to get rid of. There’s really no place for it. It’s just good to continue to keep the game safe for the players.”
Advocating the prohibition of the hip-drop tackle, Belichick affirmed, “it’s just good to continue to keep the game safe for the players.”
Commissioner Goodell agreeing with Belichick’ss viewpoint. He pointed out that the hip-drop tackle, which happens when a defender ensnares a ball carrier, pivots his hips, and drops onto the ball carrier’s legs, has been a source of a considerable number of injuries among the players.
Belichick’s stance on the issue comes from firsthand experience. Last season, Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson met with a severe injury due to a hip-drop tackle.
“When you see a play that is greater than 20 times the injury rate, and most of those injuries are pretty severe, they’re career ending or season ending, you’ve got to make the change,” Goodell said.
This incident stirred Belichick’s opinions and made the coach firmly back the proposed prohibition.
Belichick’s pointed out as a defensive coach, rules alterations that seems to serve the offense are not always pleasing. However, this is a unique scenario where he strongly backs these-safety ehancing changes.
