With the New York Jets set to unofficially enter the “helmet rule” era this week, two of their most prominent defenders insist they won’t be changing anything.
For the 2018 season, the NFL has introduced a rule that will asses a 15-yard personal foul penalty to any defender that lowers his helmet to initiate contact. The penalized parties may also be subject to fines and/or suspensions.
The rule, similar to college football’s infamous targeting penalty, was first enforced during Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game between the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears in Canton, Ohio. Four such penalties were called in the game, even ones that appeared to be hits led by the shoulder, rather than the head.