Saquon Barkley Gives Strong View On New Rule Change

(Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images for Stagwell)

 

The NFL decided to ban the hip-drop tackle because there is a major risk of injury that could come with that type of play.

In a recent appearance on “New Heights” with Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley gave his opinion on the rule change.

“I don’t know why everyone’s bugging out about that,” Barkley said. “How often do you actually see that tackle? In seven years, two times I’ve been hip-dropped. … There’s a reason why they banned it, I guess.”

A reminder from @saquon as the preseason kicks off: Don’t freak out about the new Hip Drop rule pic.twitter.com/cfs3DNkOCr

— New Heights (@newheightshow) August 9, 2024

The former Offensive Rookie of the Year with the New York Giants also said he believes that if the officials do enforce the rule change during the preseason, they may not enforce it as much in the regular season.

Again, this is another instance where the league is trying to protect the players, especially on offense.

They have done this before with targeting, roughing the passer, unnecessary roughness and others.

The hip-drop tackle involves a defender pulling an offensive player down by the waist and lower body.

But the injury risk comes when the defender uses his body to take out the legs of the offensive player.

This type of tackle can cause foot, ankle, knee and overall leg issues.

Barkley is right in the sense that this tackle is not common, but it is a very dangerous play.

The NFL wants to protect its product, and that is why it decided to ban the play.

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