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Not being sarcastic at all. I like the massive hits too, but is it worth a broken neck?
A RB does not have 30-40 yards to build up a head of steam before plowing into those 300+ lb linemen - unless he breaks out into the open field, he is not running full power with momentum behind him. The guys covering the kick have half a football field to build up a head of steam before knocking the shit out of someone. THAT is where the injuries occur. Moving the kickoff to the 35 works and the NCAA should do it. I just liked the idea of 4th and 15 - something to add a new twist to the game.
No, injuries like this one occur when the tackler uses poor form, and instead of breaking down in a low hitting position, and driving up through the ball carrier, he runs full speed, and at the last moment lowers his head and hits the ball carrier with the crown of his helmet.
I say this again. This is supposed to be a basic skill learned from pee wee ball up. They do, or should do fit tackling and form tackling where this fundamental is hammered home daily, and this is all the way up to the NFL level. Kids on my Middle School and 11/12 year old team are taught tackling first thing. This is the cardinal sin to hit with the top of your helmet. They are taught that from day one. If they do it in a full speed drill, they are coached up on the spot. If they do it a second time, they are not allowed to participate in full contact drills again that day, and will not until they are given remedial tackling training at a walk through pace until they get it. Bottom line, Schiano is where the buck stops in this case and he's trying to deflect blame with this.
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