“Lazy Tackle”: Cam Newton Explains NFL’s Hip Drop Ban by Citing a Bigger Problem

It’s no surprise that the NFL is one of the most physical sports in the world with a high probability of injury. Hence, there is a constant effort to keep the game safe, but still entertaining, as reflected by the recent ban on hip tackle by the NFL owners. Chairman of the NFL competition committee, Rich McKay explained the ban by saying, “We have an obligation from a health and safety standpoint to protect players when there’s unreasonable risk of injury.”

The decision was taken unanimously by the owners to drop the move at the annual meeting in Florida, with a penalty of 15 yards and an automatic touchdown. Though some players were not happy with the ban, many have come out to support it, including Cam Newton, who further pointed out a bigger problem.

Cam Newton: Coaches do not have enough time for the fundamentals

Former NFL QB, Cam Newton discussed the recent rule change in the NFL on his podcast, 4th & 1 with Cam Newton. He said, “Coaches have to now find ways to teach the fundamentals of the sport because this is a lazy tackle. Grab them, fall back. Grab them, fall back. Just the same way as ducking your head while you tackle.”

The NFL defines the move as a technique where a player “grabs the runner with both hands or wraps the runner with both arms” and “unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.” The move has resulted in multiple injuries throughout the years and has always been cited as a topic of discussion.

The former Panthers star appreciated the ban by saying, “That’s a great move by the NFL.” However, he further cited a bigger problem associated with the decision; the coaching. As per Cam Newton, the coaches in the NFL do not have enough time to focus on the fundamentals of the sport, hence they are unable to groom the players as they used to. Therefore, the teams are looking for well-groomed stars. Thus, there is very little value addition to a player. Irrespective of the opinions of Cam Newton, there are other athletes in the game, who are not in favor of the ban.

Defensive player condemns the hip tackle ban by the NFL

JJ Watt, former Arizona Cardinals Defensive End and three-time NFL defensive player of the year, took to X on March 25th to share his views on the recent ban by the NFL competition committee on hip tackle. He tweeted, “Just fast forward to the belts with flags on them,” as he referred to the NFL becoming a softer version of itself, like flag football.

Read more: Tom Pelissero Spotlights Dispute Over NFL’s Hip Drop Tackle Ruling, Raises Concern Over Officials’ Lack of Training to Make the Right Call

An NFL star joined JJ Watt in his criticism of the move as Jevon Holland of the Dolphins tweeted, “Breaking news: Tackling Banned.” Another NFL star, CB Darius Slay tweeted, “It’s about to be a lot of missed tackles 😂” referring to the lack of alternatives for the defense. Interestingly, most of the negative criticism is from the defensive players who would be most affected by the ban, but the decision persists. What are your thoughts?

Read more: “It’s Injurious”: Jerry Jones Wants Ban on Hip-Drop Tackle Months After Cowboys’ Dak Prescott Was Tackled Twice