re: player safety rules impact in defenses

quote:

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You'll also see a lot more tackles involving the shoulder and wrap-up rather than going for the knockout and leading with the crown.

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I actually didn't know the full rule until they showed it during the replay of the Clinton-Dix hit. Apparently you can't lead with the shoulder either.

Rule 9-1-3 — No player shall target and initiate contact against an opponent with the crown (top) of his helmet.

Rule 9-1-4 – No player shall target and initiate contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent with the helmet, forearm, elbow or shoulder.

So even if you don't lower your head and are not breaking rule 9-1-3, if you hit above the shoulders with anything it can still be targeting.