Georgia's football defense is adopting a 'do simple better' approach to address recent struggles, focusing on fundamentals like tackling and avoiding missed plays, as they prepare for a challenging game against Florida.
The Patriots' defense is struggling with missed tackles and giving up big plays, which could be exploited by Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. Improving tackling and possibly getting Christian Gonzalez back are key to their success in upcoming games.
Syracuse football's defense, particularly tackling, remains a weakness despite offseason efforts to improve through studying top teams and changing coaching techniques, highlighting ongoing challenges in their defensive performance.
The Cincinnati Bengals' defense struggled with missed tackles, allowing the Pittsburgh Steelers to score 44 points, the most they've scored in a game this decade. Despite the defensive issues, linebacker Germaine Pratt downplayed the concern, attributing it to quick plays and screens. Head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged the inconsistency in tackling but did not question the team's effort. With a 4-8 record, the Bengals' playoff hopes are dimming, despite a strong offensive performance.
The NFL is considering major rule changes, including banning the "hip-drop tackle" with 15-yard penalties and post-game fines, which has sparked concerns about subjective calls and potential injuries for defenders. Additionally, the league is contemplating kickoff rule changes inspired by the XFL, aiming to reduce concussions and encourage more returns by altering spacing for kicking and return teams, eliminating fair catches, and penalizing touchbacks. These proposed changes could significantly impact the fabric of the NFL and player safety.
The NFL Competition Committee has proposed a new rule that would make hip-drop tackles a 15-yard penalty, aiming to eliminate the technique from the game due to player injuries. The proposed rule defines a hip-drop tackle and outlines the penalty for its use. The NFL Players Association has expressed skepticism about consistent enforcement, and the decision now rests with NFL owners.
Detroit Lions defend safety Kerby Joseph's low hit on Rams tight end Tyler Higbee, stating that it aligns with NFL's tackling guidelines aimed at reducing concussions. Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson argue that the responsibility also lies with the quarterback to protect their players by avoiding risky throws. Joseph expressed remorse for the injury, emphasizing that it was unintentional.
The hip-drop tackle, a technique where a defender drops their body weight onto the legs of the ball carrier, poses an enhanced risk of injury and has caused multiple injuries, including a recent ankle injury to Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill. Similar to the banned horse-collar tackle, the NFL is now seeking to prohibit the hip-drop tackle due to its potential for lower-body injuries. The league hopes that owners will vote to ban the technique in March, prioritizing player safety.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed concern over the team's defensive performance, citing missed tackles, pass rush issues, and coverage problems during their three-game losing streak. Shanahan believes the bye week came at the perfect time for the team to rest and address these issues. The defense has struggled with missed tackles, allowing big plays, and showing signs of fatigue. The break will provide an opportunity for players to recover and improve their tackling and overall production, particularly on the defensive line.
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs, who recently signed a major contract extension, showcased his tackling ability in a dominant 40-0 victory over the New York Giants. Diggs forced two takeaways through his tackling, including a pick-six and a forced fumble. Despite criticism of his tackling in the past, Diggs remains focused on improving his game and shutting down opposing quarterbacks. With the addition of Stephon Gilmore to the Cowboys' secondary, Diggs sends a clear message to opposing teams: "Don't throw the ball."
Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule is implementing new tackling drills and a classic philosophy to improve the team's tackling. Rhule and new defensive coordinator Tony White teach defenders to strike higher than a rugby tackle, driving ballcarriers backward as they wrap and run through the ballcarrier. The team uses drills to build muscle memory, and Rhule plans to recruit faster defenders than he may currently have. Nebraska will tackle to the ground in Saturday’s scrimmage, and the April 22 spring game should be live.
The NFL owners meetings will review and vote on several proposals, including making roughing-the-passer penalties reviewable, but it reportedly won't have enough support to pass. The league will also review hip-drop tackles, which can cause serious injury, but there isn't enough support to ban it yet. The roughing-the-passer call became one of the most controversial points of the 2022 season after multiple roughing calls looked controversial.