Horse Collar Tackles! Now isn’t that something that every NFL fan has some kind of opinion on? I know I’ve got one! Horse Collar Tackles, also commonly referred to as the “Tackle That Never Was” are illegal maneuvers utilized by defensive players to abruptly stop runners after they have already been tackled. If a player does this to a runner, they are subject to being flagged for a penalty.
As someone that follows the NFL closely, I’m well versed in the rules and regulations concerning the tackling game. While I understand the necessity for protecting the players on the field, it’s the Horse Collar Tackle that I find controversial. In the heat of the game, it’s understandable to allow a defender to grab the runner’s ankle or the back of their jersey in an attempt to make the tackle, but what happens when that same defender pulls on a players’ collar, essentially choking them? That’s what the NFL seeks to avoid with it’s Horse Collar Tackle rules.
To explain further, a Horse Collar Tackle occurs when a defender grabs the back of the runner’s pad or jersey and pulls them down without their feet coming off the ground. According to the NFL, a Horse Collar Tackle is illegal if the defender uses either their hands or arms to tug the collar of the runner and pull them down. This is prohibited in order to protect runners from severe neck injuries that could be caused by the pulling down action of the defender.
I have watched a few of these tackles in NFL action and I have to agree that while they can give the runner a bit of a jolt, it is a dangerous play. While the impression left on the receiver may be something to smile about and give the defense bragging rights, it is something that should not be encouraged.
Fortunately, the NFL is serious about cracking down on these plays and making sure that there is no malicious intent attached to them. Once a defender using the Horse Collar Tackles, an official has the right to throw a flag thereby indicating that the play is illegal. The penalty for this infraction is a 15 yard penalty for unnecessary roughness as well as a possible fine.
The fact that defenders are made aware of the consequences involved makes the Horse Collar Tackle an interesting dynamic to follow within the NFL. On the one hand, players want to do everything they can to show they have the skill to make a tackle or take down the runner. Yet, on the other hand, they have to be careful not to break the rules that the NFL has in place for the protection of other players.
With that being said, I think it is important for players to remember that if they do choose to use the Horse Collar Tackle, that they do it in a way that is within the framework of NFL rules. A defender should not be allowed to get away with making a tackle that could potentially harm a runner. That is why the NFL enforces the Horse Collar Tackle rules, to ensure that players are safe on the field.
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I believe that the Horse Collar Tackle is a unique way of tackling and should be applied judiciously. It is a physical play but should only be your last resort. The player must ensure that they are using it legally and within the NFL rules and guidelines otherwise they will be subject to the penalty. Learning when to use the Horse Collar effectively and in accordance with the law is something that a player should work at to become successful in the NFL.
I have had conversations with NFL players on this matter and their thoughts vary but typically lean towards a more lenient version of the rule. After all, part of the game sometimes calls for defenders to use it as an attempt to stop a runner. They also believe that if done correctly and legally, there is nothing wrong with using the tackle. However, I think that we need to be aware of the injury potential the tackle could lead to and therefore reserve it for emergency situations.
That doesn’t mean that it is an acceptable move every time. It must be done correctly or a flag will be thrown and the penalty to follow. The team should also be aware of the situation and the risk that comes with it. If the defender goes too far, it could mean the end of the play or the result of the game. This is why it is important to understand the explanation of Horse Collar Tackle and its limitations.
There also needs to be an understanding of the context in which the tackle is applied. If the runner has already been stopped and the defender is trying with all of their might to make the tackle – this is where the horse-collar tackle is potentially dangerous. By understanding exactly when it is appropriate to utilize this tackle, a player can be sure that they are staying within the boundaries of the rule and will not be subject to a penalty or a fine.
So what does all of this mean? The Horse Collar Tackle should be looked at when evaluating a team’s ability to make a successful play. While there are defensive players who use it correctly, there are also those who abuse it. Therefore, it is up to the team to evaluate how they want to apply these rules and be sure that their players understand the penalty that could incur with an illegal Horse Collar Tackle.
Additionally, the team must consider the potential injuries that could happen if the tackle is done incorrectly. While the injury potential may seem minor, it could lead to a serious situation. That’s why a team needs to have an effective policy in place and correctly train their players on the dangers of this particular tackle.
I understand that the Horse Collar Tackle is a controversial move within the NFL, but its purpose is to protect the players from potential harm. That’s why its important to recognize when its applicable and legal and when its not. With that being said, I do believe that this tackle can be used in the right circumstances and with the understanding that it must be used correctly.