Defence now get helmet speakers

[stomperrob]

Tuesday, April 1, 2008
NFL owners approve communication device for defenses
Associated Press

PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Taking another technological step forward, NFL owners approved a communication device for defenses Tuesday.

One defensive player will wear a helmet similar to what the quarterback is allowed on offense. Should that player leave the game, a teammate can be designated to also have the device. But only one defender with the device can be on the field at a time.

The vote was 25-7 in favor -- 24 yes votes were required -- and all seven negatives came from head coaches with offensive backgrounds.

Voting against the measure were Seattle (Mike Holmgren), Tampa Bay (Jon Gruden), Oakland (Lane Kiffin), Philadelphia (Andy Reid), St. Louis (Scott Linehan), Washington (Jim Zorn) and Green Bay (Mike McCarthy).

Titans coach Jeff Fisher noted this change won't eliminate entirely the need for signals from the sideline, something that pretty much has disappeared for offenses.

The owners also tabled discussion of a rule banning a player's hair from flowing over the nameplate and number on the back of the uniform.

[A Fleshner Fantasy]

But now what are we going to tape!

[JasonSeahorn]

But now what are we going to tape!

We can get military radio transmission interceptors to make up for it.

[FantasyMan13]

Funny Holmgren voted against it...

I think its ok. Id rather see it only on offense, but its not a huge deal/advantage.

[Canucks_Fantasy]

Interesting, wont have a huge impact but it will impact some things.

[beanoX3]

I can actually see this confusing the crap out of some defenses, at least until whoever gets the helmet speaker gets the hang of hearing the d-coordinator screaming in his ear.


This brings up something else though. Right now, I know that if one team's radio fails for whatever reason, the other team shuts theirs down too (usually). Wonder if the defense is going to have to do the same thing now.

[joelamosobadiah]

The offense gets them, then give them to a defense.

[LoveBoatCaptain]

I agree it's fair, but I'm not sure its necessarily smart. I mean, QBs are helped out a lot because nothing starts until they say so, but I can envision a lot of missed coverages/blitz packages due to a DC trying to adjust his defense before the snap now that he has the ability to do so.

[joelamosobadiah]

I agree it's fair, but I'm not sure its necessarily smart. I mean, QBs are helped out a lot because nothing starts until they say so, but I can envision a lot of missed coverages/blitz packages due to a DC trying to adjust his defense before the snap now that he has the ability to do so.

I still think that the rule is smart. It is yet to be seen if the teams use it wisely. I think they will perfect the system though.

[Amazinz]

I don't think this is going to have an impact from the fan perspective. Coach involvement in defensive play-calling and pre-snap reads already exists, this will just make it more efficient. The MLB (or whoever the defensive QB is) will still bear the responsibility of adjusting at the line. I do not think you'll see a lot of micromanaging of the defense from the DC.