Time was, a ball carrier dropping his head and barreling through a defender was celebrated.
In the 2018 NFL season, it could garner a penalty and, in some cases, an ejection.
According to Playing Rule Article 8, introduced this year, it is a foul if a player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent. The player may be disqualified. Applies to any player anywhere on the field.
And it’s the last part that created instant waves Tuesday afternoon when the new rule was announced. Tacklers have long been instructed not to drop their heads as the best precaution in avoiding spinal injury — keep your head up and see what you hit is taught at all levels of the game.