NFL official helps Patriots tackle the new ‘Brady Rule’

[Forkboy]

FOXBOROUGH - When Patriots quarterback Tom Brady crashed to the Gillette Stadium turf, his left knee mangled after being struck by Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard in last year’s season opener, there was something noticeably missing.

A penalty flag.

By rule, the NFL determined that referee Carl Cheffers made the correct call by keeping the yellow flag in his grasp. This year, however, that type of play will be an infraction.

Some are calling it the “Tom Brady Rule.’’

The change was highlighted yesterday at Gillette Stadium as referee Terry McAulay visited Patriots training camp, meeting with both the team and media members. McAulay, who worked Super Bowls XXXIX (in which the Patriots beat the Eagles) and XLIII and is one of the NFL’s most respected officials, explained that referees will be ready to unfurl their flags at Pollard-like hits this year.

The alteration reflects the NFL’s continuing emphasis on player safety. In this case, the rule further protects some of the league’s biggest stars - its quarterbacks.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/08/06/nfl_official_helps_patriots_tackle_the_new_brady_rule/

Pretty dumb. They should just have the QBs wear flags and not tackle them at all.

[Yavin4]

1. Funny, When The Same Play and Injury Happened To Carson Palmer

Nothing was changed. Let something happen to the Golden Boy, and new rules are written.

[Forkboy]

2. I agree.

[trumad]

3. Soon they'll have QB's playing in this.

[Forkboy]

4. They're going to ruin this damn game the way they're going.

It's already a joke how the QBs are treated like babies. Now the refs have to decide if a tackle below the knee is a "lunge". This will be fun. :eyes:

[PVnRT]

5. Let's just make all injuries instant penalties

Injuries are part of the game. Just ask Montana or Theismann about that.

[inthebrain]

6. This is why I can't stand football

every year there is a new rule implemented and it just gets annoying.

Now adays it seems like they flag EVERYTHING!!!!

I stopped following football in 1994. Occasionally I'll watch with curiousity but I don't understand how people can furiously follow this sport anymore. Every game is just a litany of penalties which makes it unwatchable for me.

[trumad]

7. Football has its problems...

b ut it's the best sport on the planet.

[inthebrain]

9. If I have to pick between Hockey or Football on a Sunday

I'm takin hockey.

[wilt the stilt]

8. The best devised games

are the ones who do not need constant rule changes. baseball, golf and tennis are very well thought out and makes the player adjust and not the sport

[Auggie]

10. Owners protecting their investments n/t

[joeybee12]

11. Good...it's about time....n/t