The NFL is reportedly making a key rule change that will impact defensive players in particular, as hip-drop tackles are being banned.
No surprise here, despite the NFLPA’s objections. The NFL made clear it wanted what it calls the swivel hip-drop tackle out of the game, and now it is. Expect more fines than flags as the league and coaches work to remove the technique. https://t.co/HsD1rGkiry
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 25, 2024
The ban doesn’t come as a total surprise. In fact, back in February of 2023, Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland voiced his displeasure upon hearing that hip-drop tackles might be banned in the future.
It’s getting outta hand now 😂😂😂 https://t.co/GrtAZeTl1e
— Jevon Holland (@quickdrawjev) February 4, 2023
Now that it’s official, he isn’t any happier.
Breaking news: Tackling Banned
— Jevon Holland (@quickdrawjev) March 25, 2024
Holland isn’t the only NFL figure with something to say about the rule change.
🤮🤮🤮🤮 https://t.co/TlPSDKukFS pic.twitter.com/AGc1UA4B39
— Cam Jordan (@camjordan94) March 25, 2024
As a offensive player this is wild lol https://t.co/4BamcYsMzL
— IG MikeDavisRB (@MikeDavisRB) March 25, 2024
Just fast forward to the belts with flags on them… https://t.co/yToh5XKVMS
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 25, 2024
what is this league becoming..
— Kenny Moore II (@KennyKennyMoe3) March 25, 2024
I just said this lol idk hell they need to stop the play 😂 https://t.co/EvnGb4sw2z
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 25, 2024
Hip-drop tackles have been responsible for some notable injuries over the years, and the league is aiming to nix that. The technique has an injury rate that is higher than that of standard tackles, so the hope has to be that the rule change will prevent a number of players from getting hurt in the future.
But the news is clearly being met with some pushback, and there will likely be a long adjustment period for players who are used to the technique being part of the game.
Here’s the video the NFL just showed in a press conference of what are now banned swivel hip-drop tackles (with NFL executive Jeff Miller speaking in the background). pic.twitter.com/Y4H8h6pQkW
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 25, 2024
While Holland clearly isn’t thrilled about the rule change, he will have no choice but to accept it. He’s going to be a key piece for the Dolphins on defense once again in the 2024 season as the team looks to take a step in the right direction.
The 2024 campaign will be Holland’s fourth at the NFL level. He was only able to appear in 12 games this past season, but he still totaled four passes defended, one interception (which he returned for a touchdown), three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 74 combined tackles.
After getting a taste of the playoffs in the 2022 season and making a big impact on that stage, he didn’t get a chance to appear in the playoffs this past season, as he was on the shelf when the Dolphins lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
One has to imagine that he’s motivated to taste the playoffs again in the 2024 campaign, and perhaps this time around, he’ll be able to help the Dolphins earn their first postseason win in over two decades.
