The False Sense of Security: Why Quarterbacks Shouldn’t Be Allowed to Slide
Hall of Famer Steve Young recently joined the chorus of voices questioning the wisdom of allowing quarterbacks to slide in the NFL. As a guest on Pardon My Take, Young emphasized the dangers of sliding, stating that it puts the quarterback’s head “on a pedestal” and increases the risk of injury. This sentiment echoes a point I’ve been making since January 2023: the NFL’s policy on sliding is reckless and lazy.
The NFL’s Priorities: Safety or Liability?
On the surface, the NFL’s policy on sliding appears to prioritize player safety. However, a closer examination reveals a more cynical motive. By allowing quarterbacks to slide, the NFL creates a convenient legal loophole to avoid liability in the event of an injury. This is not about protecting players; it’s about protecting the league from lawsuits.
The Unrealistic Expectation of Quarterbacks
The assumption underlying the sliding rule is that quarterbacks can accurately calculate the precise moment to slide, while running at high speeds and facing defenders doing the same. This is an unrealistic expectation, and one that puts quarterbacks at greater risk of injury. When a quarterback slides, they create a vulnerable target for defenders, who must aim for the quarterback’s head to make a legal tackle. The irony is palpable: the very mechanism intended to protect quarterbacks is actually increasing their risk of injury.
A Look at the Numbers
To understand the impact of the sliding rule, let’s examine the data. Since 1999, there has been a significant increase in unnecessary roughness penalties called on quarterbacks who take off and run out of the pocket. This trend suggests that the sliding rule has created a false sense of security among quarterbacks, leading them to take greater risks and put themselves in harm’s way.
What’s Changed Since 2010?
The rise in unnecessary roughness penalties coincides with the increasing athleticism of quarterbacks and their willingness to take advantage of every opportunity to gain yardage. The NFL’s policy on sliding has created an environment where quarterbacks feel emboldened to take risks, despite the inherent dangers.
A Call to Action
It’s time to reexamine the NFL’s policy on sliding and prioritize player safety over liability concerns. If a quarterback chooses to run, they should understand that they will be tackled. The NFL must take responsibility for creating a safer environment, rather than relying on a flawed rule that puts players at risk.
Welcome to the resistance, Steve Young. Together, we can create a safer, more sensible NFL.
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