A Three-Point Stance on Concussions

There's been some noise lately that Roger "Makin' it Rain" Goodell is thinking about banning the three-point stance in an effort to reduce the amount of concussions suffered by linemen. Now, one could've concluded that we are watching a very different NFL than even 20 years ago, but this would eliminate possibly the last remaining link between football today and yesterday. You are no longer allowed to tackle, touch quarterbacks or wide receivers, and a good running game is no longer the key to winning. And now, possibly, linemen will be playing a different game as well.

...a very different game.

According to the Current Medical Thinking, linemen aren't getting hit with severe concussions. They often suffer minor concussions more frequently, which, in the long term, result in as much damage as fewer, more severe concussions. And while the NFL should do as much as they can to ensure the safety of its players, it also has to balance that with the integrity of the game...something they have completely forgotten about as of late.

Why not protect them with equipment? We've been hearing about bigger helmets and mouth pieces that can help absorb shock in development for years. What's the hold up? I feel like this is an advancement that should have happened already.

Why not enforce the rules that are already in place? Like, no blows to the head, which happen all the time when defensive linemen use that swat/slap move that bashes the offensive lineman in the head(and vice-versa). None if it is ever called, because it happens in the trenches. Also, start calling all the spearing that happens, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Wouldn't that reduce the amount of concussions and overall impact on players' brains?

Finally, isn't one of the justifications for players getting paid so much money the risk that's involved? I don't want to see anybody get hurt, but many jobs have hazards. And often, you are rewarded financially when you agree to assume some risk. These guys sign their contracts knowing they may get hurt. It doesn't mean that they have to get hurt, but it does mean that they might. The NFL can't freak out every time that happens.