One of the things to watch with the San Francisco 49ers heading into 2018 will be how the defense adjusts to the recently updated helmet ruling. The league has finalized a new rule that on paper is supposed to stop players from leading with their head and weaponizing their helmet. The rule would involve 15-yard penalties and ejections if used improperly, and replay can be used to determine if ejections are necessary.
The rule states: “It is a foul if a player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent.