The NFL’s new No Hip-Drop Tackle rule includes a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down. Let’s talk about what this may mean for the 2024 season.
The NFL diligently analyzed 20,000 tackles over two seasons before concluding that certain techniques used in the Hip-Drop Tackle cause greater harm to three body parts. In the 2023 season, 15 players missed time due to injuries caused by this tackle.
What exactly is prohibited and how will the No Hip-Drop Tackle rule adopted on March 27, 2023, by all NFL Clubs affect the 2024 season?
Pivoting and Dropping: NFL New 15-Yard Penalty
NFL Operations defines the Hip-Drop Tackle Rule as “wrapping the runner with both arms” and then swiveling his hips, under weighting himself and dropping on the runner’s legs”. The tackle must include direct contact by landing on and pinning down one or both legs of the runner to incur the 15-yard penalty and possible automatic first down.
This type of tackle causes a greater risk of injury to the knee, leg, and angle. Ana Holness wrote in an article for Total Apex Sports, “The problem with this action is the direct cause of injury”.
Among the injured last season is Mark Andrews, Tight End for the Baltimore Ravens who suffered an injury to his fibula and ankle. Andrews said, “I don’t blame the guy. He was just playing hard”.
NFL: Continued Improvement
The game has come a long way since the Washington Post reports that “at least 45 football players died between 1900 and 1905”. These deaths are attributed to neck and back injuries primarily from the lack of safety equipment. I can’t even fathom that many fatalities in just a five-year span.
In 2004 Roy Williams was credited with using the horse-collar tackle which caused serious injuries and was banned by the NFL in 2005. It also carried a 15-yard penalty. The “Roy Williams Rule” as some called it, injured four players in one season. Williams continued to use the horse-collar tackle after the ban and was eventually fined twice in 2007 as reported by ESPN on Oct 12, 2007.
Professionals like Mark Andrews are aware of the dangers that come with the game. I have great respect for his attitude about his injury last season. There was a job to do and his opponent was doing his job, Andrews stated. Cornerback Xavien Howard was also among the injured in 2023 and has made a magnificent comeback. I am happy to see changes in NFL rules have brought about continued improvements and safety regulations for our players.
2024 Predictions: Fewer Injuries or More Penalties?
I believe the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior. Jeff Miller NFL executive vice president reported the hip-drop tackle was used 230 times in 2023. That is at least once in 85% of NFL regular-season games. I believe 2024 will show only a slight decline in the hip-drop tackle, marked by a significant increase in 15-yard penalties. I don’t foresee too many delicate “Hawk Roll” tackles in the coming season after all this the NFL.
I will be watching closely, especially those linebackers with the highest tackle stats in a season. At the top of my list is Foye Oluokun, Jags with 91 solo tackles. I will also be following Troy Fautanu, Steelers.
About the Author
Lori was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and was there when the Jaguars became the 30th NFL Franchise. Lori’s son played tight end in high school and her daughter was born during a super bowl. She and her family are avid sports enthusiast.
Lori is a new freelance writer with Total Apex Sports and is dedicated to creating interesting, accurate, and concise articles.
Lori has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with attention in Project Management and has written technical documents for more than a decade.
You may contact Lori by email at lori@loriratto.com
