by Erich Heinlein

Created on: October 27, 2008   Last Updated: January 23, 2009

When it comes to roughing the quarterback the NFL has it just about right. One thing that does need to be changed regarding this issue is the quarterback needs to be given more leeway in terms of how quickly he can get rid of the ball when being rushed by defenses and where he can do it from With the way it's set up now the quarterback has to be outside the tackle box in order to throw the ball a way. By getting rid of the ball quickly you are going to reduce the number of times you are going to get hit anyways. If quarterbacks are in good physical condition at the start of the season they will be less prone to injury and will be more ready to take hits anyways. With football, the mindset is take the hits like a grown up and if you can't deal with it then you don't need to be playing football. The NFL does have some rules on roughing the quarterback. For one thing they can't be hit after they are thrown unless the momentum is carrying the defensive player into the quarterback at the time he throws. The NFL can regulate all they want, but to a certain extent quarterbacks are always going to be hit hard and it is inevitable quarterbacks are going to get hurt. That is the reality for the other 21 positions on the field as well, offense and defense.

Now don't get me wrong. I am certainly not saying that defensive players should be given free rein and be able to hit quarterbacks senseless all day without abandon. There does need to be rules in place and there are rules in place to prevent quarterbacks from getting hurt. That's why defensive players can't needlessly knock down a quarterback well after a certain play is over or knock him down again after he was already down the first time.

The next reason is because let's face it: Quarterbacks are generally the smartest people on the field with probably the toughest job. They have to be able to read defenses on the fly, make last minute decisions on whether or not to change the play within 20 seconds or less and then they have to properly execute the play that he called. If that doesn't happen the entire offense will fall apart if they are not on the same page. Plus it also helps to have a very strong arm because if you don't then teams that have effective and quick defense backs and Middle Linebackers will tear you apart. The basic premise for this specific argument is quarterbacks are the best athletes on the field and should only need a specific amount of protecting which they get more than any other position. Even kickers.

In conclusion, the NFL has it right because quarterbacks are the best athletes and the smartest people on the field. However, they do need some protection which they have. But quarterbacks allowed to throw the ball away if a defensive player is within a specific area of where they are.

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