The NFL owners approved headsets in the helmets of defensive players on Tuesday at the NFL Annual Meeting.
Just like the rule on offense, one defensive player on the field at a time is now allowed to wear a headset.
The new rule will likely reduce the confusion that defensive players face when looking to the sideline for the defensive play on every down. The play call will now be sent directly to the speakers within their helmets.
NFL coaches have already begun to develop strategies determining who will have the headsets. Coaches know they will have to select a player who will play the full three downs of a defensive set. This will most likely be the team’s premier linebacker, who tends to play most of the downs.
However, if the defensive player has to exit the field, another player will be allowed to enter the game with a headset on.
The new rule concerns Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
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“The concept of it is fine, but the logistics of it are a little bit of a different story,” he said. “You don't always have a quarterback in the game on defense, like you do on offense. It's a little bit of a different setup.”
Belichick still voted in favor of the new rule.
Of the 32 NFL teams, 25 of them were in favor of the defensive headset. The rule passed by only one vote.
This is just the next step in the advancement of technology in the NFL. In a league that features instant replay, headsets for all coaches, and top of the line equipment for the players, football is becoming a game that depends too much on technology.
But many will wonder just how much technology is too much?
Having headsets for defensive players is fine, but the NFL should limit the amount of outside interference within a game and let the players play the game as it was meant to be played.
Before we know it, kickers will be allowed to wear a wristwatch that judges the speed of the wind, the weather variables, and even how their fantasy team is doing.
Don’t be surprised to see signs at all NFL stadiums next season that read, “Fans, please turn off all cell phones and mobile devices before entering the stadium to reduce the radio static among the offensive and defensive headsets. Thank You.”
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5 months ago
Nice article, I'm inclined to agree with you. I have to say I found out it unfair that before only offensive players got to wear headsets...Now it's balanced out and I'm happy.
5 months ago
I like the rule, also it will shut up the whole spygate thing.
5 months ago
i think this will makke the last 2 minutes more intetresting, but then again you need the players to play, not technologyh for them.
5 months ago
i see nothing wrong with this idea coaches need to be able to comunicate with players on the field to call in plays this is no different than ear pieces that qbs have only its with defensive players now i find new technology to be refreashing to the league i hope modern advancments continue
5 months ago
I don't know about the technological aspect of it...but I hate seeing the green dot on the back of helmets.
5 months ago
I don't know about the technological aspect of it...but I hate seeing the green dot on the back of helmets.
5 months ago
Seriously? It's the green dod you have an issue with???
5 months ago
I don't think the technology has gone too far... yet. QBs are allowed to wear headsets so it's only fair that a defensive player on the other side of the field can also wear a headset. If they take the headsets on the field thing any further (ie. all players wearing headsets, ect.) then they will be taking it too far.
from 5 months ago
I totally agree. I don't think it's too far right now but yeah it could become too much in the future.
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