Pads are not optional | +40yrCowboyFan's Blog

UPDATE With Portis down today and Westbrook last week I wonder if the lack of knee pads is not contributing to this apparent increase in concussions in RBs? I looked closely at the Westbrook hit and could NOT tell if the player had a knee pad. Did not see the Portis hit. I still feel a FULL complement of pads should be required for ALL players; don't care if they are not concerned for their own well being, others on the receiveing end of the hits need the protection too. My favorite indicted Criminal Ray Lewis is a perfect example of one who takes the field in his little "pants only" outfit. -------------------------------------------------------- As I watch each Sunday and see more and more of the players with fewer and fewer pads I wonder what they are thinking. I suspect they can make their own choice about their own safety and disregard for injuries they will sustain but what about the other players? Is it possible that McNabb suffered the broken rib because the player who hit him had no knee pads or very thin ones? I understand that a player may think he will gain an advantage because he reduced some of the weight he is carrying but lets get realistic here. The bulk of the weight in the uniform is the Helmet, shoulder pads and the heavy fabric. We have technology to make the leg pads lighter now so they should be mandatory. Not only do they protect the person wearing them but also will diffuse a blow's energy when that same knee hits another players helmet, ribs, thigh etc. The NFL should mandate that each player will wear a full complement of pads to protect themselves and those they play against. Obviously pads will be according to the size of the player. Enough with this "less is more" it causes too many injuries.

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September 17, 2009 07:55 PM ET

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I agree. I played in high school and if someone was missing a tail, knee, thigh, hip pad it was an unsportsmanlike conduct call. We even lost a game in overtime on that call. Our RB coughed out his mouthpiece and it was called back on a 60 yard TD.

bcos4life: 3 oh! 3

Bronco Country, CO

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September 18, 2009 12:30 PM ET

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 07:55 PM ET 09.17 by bcos4life: 3 oh! 3

I agree. I played in high school and if someone was missing a tail, knee, thigh, hip pad it was an unsportsmanlike conduct call. We even lost a game in overtime on that call. Our RB coughed out his mouthpiece and it was called back on a 60 yard TD.

We got the "once" over by the Refs; all lined up and they would check for all the gear; tail pad was the notorious one missing.

As for calling back a play for something you lose DURING a play--that's freaking criminal!! Dollars to doughnuts you were the AWAY team? Total BS call.