There are two sides to every coin and every story. Digital advancement is both a boon and a curse mulled in one glass. The world of sports is not left behind in this, with the induction of an upgraded video recording system that enables just decisions. But that might often take away a chunk of the sport’s essence. The inherent fear of getting flagged in football may or may not result in players becoming extra-cautious on the field. And many may side with NFL legend Tom Brady’s take on the same.
In the latest episode of “Let’s Go” [Season III] co-hosted by former Arizona Cardinals star Larry Fitzgerald and Jim Gray, the legendary NFL quarterback shared his views on the current state of the NFL, and it’s safe to say that he didn’t provide a wholehearted endorsement. And with the brutal ejection of Shilo Sanders this Saturday during Colorado’s against the UCLA Bruins matters only align with the star’s unadulterated opinion.
Not softball or flag football, but pure football
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Football is one of the most physical and full-contact games played on the planet. The rules that prioritize players’ safety have changed over the years, which even though might have a positive effect on the amount and intensity of injuries caused, has effectively eroded the essence of the game. “You throw a 15-yard flag for something that, you know, 20 years ago maybe wouldn’t have had a flag. That affects the game in a big way,” opines Brady before going on to explain how the NFL has become ‘soft’ in recent times as compared to when he was on the field playing.
Is the #NFL getting too soft?#TomBrady thoughts:
“There’s so many people that want [the NFL] less and less physical. It’s more like flag football, which is going to be in the Olympics in 2028. Maybe football goes to flag football over a period of time.”
(“Let’s Go!” podcast) pic.twitter.com/q8rJk5w7PB
— Max Steele (@NFLMaxSteele) October 19, 2023
“There’s so many people that want it less and less physical, it’s more like flag football, which is going to be in the Olympics in 2028,” Brady explained before concluding with a hard-hitting statement, “Maybe football goes to flag football over a period of time.” Maybe it does. The organization is slowly ticking off rules in favor of safety protocols that include the possible abolition of the hip tackle, which in turn would make it difficult for defensive players to obstruct an incoming offensive attack. A similar incident highlighting the league’s ‘softness’ was demonstrated during Colorado’s match on Saturday.
Shilo is sent off for ‘targeting’
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In their last five matches, Colorado has suffered four losses, securing just one victory against Arizona State. Following their disheartening loss to Stanford, they faced another 16-28 defeat this week against the UCLA Bruins. To make matters worse, Sanders’ eldest son, a crucial defensive player, was penalized for alleged ‘targeting.’
During the second quarter of the game, Shilo Sanders executed a textbook tackle on Carsen Ryan after a 3-yard reception. Initially, the tackle appeared legitimate, Shilo even celebrated it. However, upon closer inspection, the referee decided to flag him, resulting in Shilo’s ejection from the game, effectively concluding his night.
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The incident sided with Brady’s statement that highlights the fact that more and more people are demanding the game of football to become less and less physical. However, one seems to brush over its right and rouged history that birthed incredibly strong and tough players like the seven-time Super Bowl winner himself.
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