NFL Football: Is Tackling Skill at an All-Time Low

Vanity | January 11, 2022 | JewishRighter

[JewishRighter]

Am I imagining it or is tackling worse than it has been in the past?

[JewishRighter]

Full disclosure: I don't usually watch complete games. I usually watch highlights of games that are commonly posted on YouTube which run about 10-12 Minutes, so I know I'm not seeing all the defensive play. Moreover, the films are edited to show significant plays only: on offense, significant gains and scoring, on defense, sacks, interceptions, etc.

Either way, I've developed the impression that the tackling is generally poor, with a surprising number of missed tackles, broken tackles, etc. Does anyone else think so or am I just imagining it?

[z3n]

I get what you are seeing, but I think it’s more a combination that blocking is better and they don’t call holding on blockers (unless the fix is in. This is the NFL afterall and blocking is the easiest call in the universe to make)

[Mr. Mojo]

And skill at congratulating each other after making easy tackles is at an all-time high.

[Blurb2350]

Hey JR — I discovered those NFL official recaps on Youtube several weeks back. They’re fabulous! Sure makes clear how much padding there is in a typical broadcast.

[LittleBillyInfidel]

Up until 2017, I was a Broncos fan, so I’ve been accustomed to miss tackles for decades.

[JewishRighter]

Yeah, I love it. I can see pretty much all the worthwhile action in games of interest in about an hour instead of having to spend 3 hours on a single game.

[Tommy Revolts]

I’ve noticed poor tackling. I see a lot of players arm tackling and trying to tackle to high instead of low.

[srmanuel]

Remember NFL teams now play 17 games soon to be 18, at one time NFL teams played 12 games and the rosters are only 53 players, a few injuries and current teams are crippled, NFL teams limit hitting in the preseason and regular season to limit injuries, tackling will suffer as a result

[srmanuel]

Remember NFL teams now play 17 games soon to be 18, at one time NFL teams played 12 games and the rosters are only 53 players, a few injuries and current teams are crippled, NFL teams limit hitting in the preseason and regular season to limit injuries, tackling will suffer as a result

[vetvetdoug]

Fifty years ago I was taught to tackle using my head and arms. I'd put my facemask into the head of the runner of chest. Today I'd be removed for targeting. On offense I'd use the trap block below the knees and try to cut the man in half. Today I'd be penalized for chop blocks. Tackling skills appear to be low because the techniques used today keep the defense from using their bodies as we did fifty years ago. Arm tackling is not as effective and is in favor of the runner.

[bigdaddy45]

I see players trying to strip the ball instead of tackling the runner.

[sunny bonobo]

Hey JR — I discovered those NFL official recaps on Youtube several weeks back. They’re fabulous! Sure makes clear how much padding there is in a typical broadcast.
***************************
They are great. I can watch every single NFL game. Bye bye cable and streaming tv services.

[CodeToad]

Excellent point. Teams play less aggressive because they have to play so much.

[PGR88]

Does anyone else think so or am I just imagining it?

No, you are not. You will notice for open field tackles, linebackers and cornerbacks/safeties in particular, are now trained to tackle open-field "by collision". Rules obviously don't allow them to use legs/trips, and trying to get one's body in front of a running player is asking for a concussion or torso injury.

When we were kids, we were taught to "wrap them up" - even someone coming at you full-gallop. Tackling now is more done by throwing one's side/shoulder into the runners upper legs, from the side, keeping one's head and arms away. I'm actually impressed at how good at tackling are many small and fast cornerbacks and safeties are - without using their arms or exposing their head and neck.

[sunny bonobo]

And skill at congratulating each other after making easy tackles is at an all-time high.
************************
And sometimes an actual football game breaks out amongst all the dancing.

[JimRed]

Tacklers seem unwilling to make the head-on, full speed form tackle these days. You frequently see a linebacker or DB wait for the ball carrier instead of attack him, and not take a head on collision. Whether this is due to concussion concerns or trying to avoid penalties for “targeting”, I don’t know. And I hate that “horse collar” rule.

[JewishRighter]

Bonus question: who is sick and tired of players making the “first down” gesture after completing a play?

[dfwgator]

That and signaling the ref to throw a flag for pass interference on every passing play. That should be a 15-yard penalty IMHO.

[woodbutcher1963]

I believe that in the back of every defensive players mind is that I can not lead with my helmet. IF I do, I will get flagged for PERSONAL FOUL 15 YARDS. Potentially, even fined.
So, the hard hitting, is now more of an exception than the rule.
It has affected their ability to tackle.

[woodbutcher1963]

Also, defensive players are penalized for hitting too low now.

This is a major problem for Running backs trying to block a blitzing Linebacker. How does a 5’10” running back stop a 6’3” linebacker?