MORE RULE CHANGES TO PROTECT PLAYERS?

Player safety will be a major focus at the NFL owners meetings, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen. Specifically, the league could pass rule changes pertaining to the violent nature of special teams plays. Per Mortensen, the league is expected to banish three-man wedges on kickoff returns. And a rule change prohibiting bunch formations during onside kicks is also likely to be passed. The league could take another step towards protecting quarterbacks as well. A potential rule change would make it illegal for defensive players on their knees to lunge at quarterbacks. The specific play Mortensen referenced was Bernard Pollard’s hit on Tom Brady last season. Under the new rule, a similar play would draw a penalty and possibly a fine from the league.