The Ravens were upset at the officiating yesterday in their loss to New England...

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=4531578

 

So, what do you think? Do you like the rules that protect NFL QB's or not?

 

I understand how defensive players get frustrated in the heat of a game. But, these guys have to keep in mind that the NFL is as much about business, perhaps more, as it is about sport.

 

The obvious point is that QB's have to stand in the pocket and take those big shots, often in a defenseless position, to play their position. They need some protection. Just like WR's need some protection. The game has evolved to a point where the guys are so fast, athletic and physical, that the possibility for serious injury is greater, IMO.

 

But, here's the real reason why they get protected, and why they should be protected, IMO. Money.

 

Check the ratings. QB's sell. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are the poster boys for the NFL and they have been for most of this decade. Take them away, and not only do their teams suffer, but the league suffers in every aspect.

 

QB's cost the most money. Arguably, the good ones may be the only guys that are worth the money they get paid. So first, owners want that investment protected.

 

QB's bring in the most viewers and fans. So second, in addition to owners, everyone else who profits from the NFL (ESPN, Fox, CBS, etc.) want the QB's healthy.

 

But, not only should those guys want it, but the very defensive players that are complaining should want it. If you protect these QB's, keep them healthy, the league gets even more competitive, and makes even more money. More money for the league equals more money for the players, and ultimately that gets spread around.

 

A healthy Brady, Manning, Favre, Ryan, Big Ben, etc., generates more revenue for the league and the teams.

 

Personally, I like the rules that protect the QB. I infinitely enjoy watching New England more with Brady than I did with Cassell. I'm not a Colts, nor a Peyton Manning fan, but I like to watch him play. Needless to say, I wouldn't watch the Colts at all if Jim Sorgi were under center. The more good QB's, the better the league is and everyone benefits by keeping them healthy.

I agree in principle to protect him when he's often in a defenseless position. Similar to protecting long snappers. But that call yesterday was a joke.

The Ravens were upset at the officiating yesterday in their loss to New England...

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=4531578

 

So, what do you think? Do you like the rules that protect NFL QB's or not?

 

I understand how defensive players get frustrated in the heat of a game. But, these guys have to keep in mind that the NFL is as much about business, perhaps more, as it is about sport.

 

The obvious point is that QB's have to stand in the pocket and take those big shots, often in a defenseless position, to play their position. They need some protection. Just like WR's need some protection. The game has evolved to a point where the guys are so fast, athletic and physical, that the possibility for serious injury is greater, IMO.

 

But, here's the real reason why they get protected, and why they should be protected, IMO. Money.

 

Check the ratings. QB's sell. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are the poster boys for the NFL and they have been for most of this decade. Take them away, and not only do their teams suffer, but the league suffers in every aspect.

 

QB's cost the most money. Arguably, the good ones may be the only guys that are worth the money they get paid. So first, owners want that investment protected.

 

QB's bring in the most viewers and fans. So second, in addition to owners, everyone else who profits from the NFL (ESPN, Fox, CBS, etc.) want the QB's healthy.

 

But, not only should those guys want it, but the very defensive players that are complaining should want it. If you protect these QB's, keep them healthy, the league gets even more competitive, and makes even more money. More money for the league equals more money for the players, and ultimately that gets spread around.

 

A healthy Brady, Manning, Favre, Ryan, Big Ben, etc., generates more revenue for the league and the teams.

 

Personally, I like the rules that protect the QB. I infinitely enjoy watching New England more with Brady than I did with Cassell. I'm not a Colts, nor a Peyton Manning fan, but I like to watch him play. Needless to say, I wouldn't watch the Colts at all if Jim Sorgi were under center. The more good QB's, the better the league is and everyone benefits by keeping them healthy.

 

I understand what you are saying, however I don't agree with the rules. I mean you do have to protect the QB some, but at the end of the day we have to remember this is still football. I mean most of these guys have been playing football for 16 years or so before they even get to the NFL. So your asking them to change the way they have played for 16 years, by that time its habit for them. Some of these penalties like the one they called on the Ravens, should not be called. I mean a call like that can have a huge change on who ends up winning and losing the game. I remember in 2006 a roughing the passer call on Justin Smith that was horrible agaisnt Tampa Bay. If they don't call that, then the Bengals win and they make the playoffs that year. Your also going to have defensive guys maybe end up not getting a big sack they need because they are worried about having a roughing the passer call, so it makes it easier for the QB to avoid the sack and once again impacts the game. You can't have calls like that have an impact on the outcome of the game, unless it really is roughing the QB. I mean half of these flags they throw now for it are just crazy.

I'm not agreeing or disagreeing about the specific call on Brady. But, that's an officiating issue, not a rules issue. I like the rule. It's up to the officials to implement it correctly.

 

As for asking these guys to change the way they play, I have no sympathy. Healthy QB's generate more revenue, so ultimately every player benefits from keeping them in the game. They can use the extra money that the Brady's and Manning's of the world generate to pay the fines they get for illegal hits.

Yesterday's call was a joke. I know they need to be protected, but I feel that the call was literally only made because he was Tom Brady.

"Brady Rule."

Yesterday's call was a joke. I know they need to be protected, but I feel that the call was literally only made because he was Tom Brady.

 

Ray Lewis was trying to end his career and you're calling it a joke?

Ray Lewis was trying to end his career and you're calling it a joke?

 

Have you seen the replay? If you tell me yes then you would make a great HDTV commercial.

Have you seen the replay? If you tell me yes then you would make a great HDTV commercial.

 

I take it you're a Tom Brady hater.

The rule says you can't hit him in the head. Ngata hit him in the head.

I take it you're a Tom Brady hater.

 

Not at all. I'm just saying the flag was not needed on that play. It was called because he is Brady. They are more likely to throw it for a Tom Brady than a Byron Leftwich and you can't deny that. I take it you're a Brady fan?

Not at all. I'm just saying the flag was not needed on that play. It was called because he is Brady. They are more likely to throw it for a Tom Brady than a Byron Leftwich and you can't deny that. I take it you're a Brady fan?

 

If he hadn't of tripped up, he would have literally detached Tom Brady's leg from the knee down. I didn't make the rules, but I admire and applaude my referees for making the right call, as is often the case in the NFL. Great officiating guys.

If he hadn't of tripped up, he would have literally detached Tom Brady's leg from the knee down. I didn't make the rules, but I admire and applaude my referees for making the right call, as is often the case in the NFL. Great officiating guys.

 

You play on Sunday's?

You play on Sunday's?

 

:confused:

I am fine with protecting QB's... but you have to protect Jamarcus Russell the same you do Tom Brady. The biggest problem is protecting the stars more than the others, which creates an unfair advantage for that team.