Chiefs defensive star reacts on social media to the new tackle rule being enforced

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The NFL confirmed yesterday that there will be a new tackle rule applied to protect the well-being of players.

At the NFL owners meeting on Thursday, the NFL banned the hip-drop tackle.

Despite the NFL Player’s Association objecting to the new law, the change will be implemented from the start of next season.

Mark Andrews’ injury raises concerns

Mark Andrews was the subject of a brutal injury in week 11 after Logan Wilson tackled the Baltimore Raven in a now-banned manner.

Moreover, the incident was the catalyst for dialogue about the style of tackle.

Now it is banned, players will receive a 15-year penalty, and an automatic first down is granted to the opponents.

This will create a cause for concern because players will not categorically know what defines a ‘hip-drop’ tackle.

A tackle of this manner is when a player grabs an opponent, swivels, and unweights him, dropping his hips on the player’s leg/foot area.

Another rule for defenders to consider

The game of football is played at such a fast pace that it becomes an almighty challenge for players to think about how to tackle an opponent, they just do it in the most efficient way possible.

Furthermore, players have struggled to adapt to the ‘roughing the passer’ rules most recently.

Tackling has now become an even harder process for the defenders.

The offensive players now have an advantage with the defenders being limited to how they can tackle.

Understandably, this new law enforcement has received backlash from multiple players on social media, including ex-player and Hall of Famer J.J. Watt.

Omenihu takes to social media

Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu took to X to share his view on the revelation.

The 26-year-old posted: “Boys gone have to wrap and roll. That’s the only way we gone be able to tackle if you not squaring someone up.”

Seemingly, Omenihu believes this rule leaves the players with limited options if squared up with an opponent.

He proposes the only option is to roll but that is breakable if there is limited grip on the player being tackled.

Ultimately, the NFL has now opened a can of worms.

They have decided that the players’ wellbeing is the number one priority.

As a result, defensive players tackling is restricted by fear of being penalized.