Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Less Head Trauma

The NFL announced that concussions on kickoffs are down 40% from 2010. The league changed the line of scrimmage to the 35 yard in the hope of having more touch backs and eliminating returns. They certainly did that with 53% fewer returns. The kick return was becoming a mass of human train wrecks and collisions. Although it was considered one of the game's most exciting plays, the physical toll on players was getting too high.

I found it interesting that in 2010 the league reported 218 concussions in 321 games compared to 190 last year in 320 games. It appears that the changes in the kicking game have contributed to the noticeable decrease.

On the other hand, I'm sure players are slipping through the cracks This number is only from those who have been identified as having a concussion. I'm sure there are players in every game that suffer one, but it never gets reported. Overall, I think the league is doing a better job in player safety.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.