NFL’s Targeting Controversy: Navigating the Fine Line Between Safety and Spectacle
Football is a sport known for its intensity and physicality. Each fall, as the NFL season unfolds, players collide at full speed, leading to both thrilling moments and unsettling injuries. The NFL has grappled with how to balance the inherent violence of the game with player safety, sparking ongoing debates, particularly regarding the targeting rule—or lack thereof.
Understanding the NFL’s Approach to Targeting
Unlike college football, which has a defined targeting rule aimed at protecting players from dangerous hits to the head and neck, the NFL takes a broader approach. The league enforces a rule concerning unnecessary contact against defenseless players, a concept that has become integral to discussions about player safety.
Rule 12, Section 2, Article 9 of the NFL rulebook outlines this regulation, emphasizing that players must avoid initiating unnecessary contact with opponents in defenseless postures. The rule mandates that any player who strikes a defenseless opponent is liable for the consequences, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the hit.
Defining a Defenseless Player
The NFL provides an extensive definition of what constitutes a defenseless player, detailing 12 specific scenarios that officials must consider. These include:
A player who is throwing a pass or has just released the ball.
A receiver running a route when approached by a defender.
A player attempting to catch a pass who has not yet become a runner.
A player on the ground or a kicker/punter during a kick.
If a player in one of these scenarios suffers a hit, they are deemed defenseless, and the attacking player may face penalties.
Penalties for Hitting a Defenseless Player
Under the NFL’s rules, hitting a defenseless player results in a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness, along with an automatic first down for the opposing team. If the hit is deemed flagrant, the offending player may be ejected from the game, a decision that often ignites discussions about the subjectivity of such calls.
Comparing NFL and NCAA Targeting Rules
One significant distinction between the NFL and college football lies in how targeting is treated. The NCAA has a clear rule that defines targeting as any hit that exceeds the bounds of a legal tackle or block. In contrast, the NFL’s focus on unnecessary roughness means that while both leagues impose a 15-yard penalty and video review, the consequences differ significantly:
NCAA: A player ejected for targeting misses the remainder of the game and may face additional suspension in the next game, depending on the timing of the ejection.
NFL: An ejection during a game does not carry over, and the player is only disqualified for that particular match.
Controversial Calls in NFL History
Over the years, several high-profile incidents have highlighted the complexities and controversies surrounding the enforcement of these rules. Notable examples include:
Jon Bostic on Andy Dalton: In a 2020 game, Dalton attempted to slide, signaling that he was giving himself up, but Bostic’s hit resulted in a concussion for the quarterback and an ejection for Bostic.
Donte Whitner on Pierre Thomas: During the 2011 NFC Divisional Round, Whitner delivered a punishing hit on Thomas without any penalty, igniting debates about the league’s enforcement of player safety regulations.
Vontaze Burfict on Antonio Brown: The 2016 AFC Wild Card game saw Burfict’s notorious hit on Brown, which led to a flag and ejection, as Burfict’s reputation for delivering dangerous hits became a focal point of criticism.
The Evolution of the Rule
The targeting rule in the NFL has undergone significant changes since its inception.
1982: The first iteration prohibited the use of the crown of a helmet against a passer or receiver.
2009: The rule was expanded to include hits to the head or neck of defenseless players.
2010 and beyond: The scope of the rule continued to grow, with the league introducing stricter penalties and further clarifying what constitutes a defenseless player.
Frequently Asked Questions about Targeting in the NFL
The question of targeting in the NFL often leads to inquiries about its enforcement and implications:
What happens if a player is called for targeting? A 15-yard penalty is assessed, and if the hit is flagrant, the player may be ejected.
Are there fines for targeting? Yes, fines vary based on the severity of the hit, with first-time offenses typically incurring fines around $17,389.
Can a targeting call be challenged? No, a targeting call cannot be challenged by coaches. The officials review the play automatically to assess if the hit warrants a penalty and potential ejection.
As the NFL continues to navigate the balance between retaining the sport’s physical allure and ensuring player safety, the conversation around targeting remains a pivotal aspect of the league’s landscape. While the pursuit of thrilling plays will always be a part of football, the commitment to protecting players is becoming increasingly paramount.
