Is Targeting In The NFL Really That Bad?

Is targeting in the NFL really that bad? We take a look at the evidence and try to answer this question once and for all.

The Case for Targeting

In the National Football League, targeting is defined as “unnecessary and excessive contact against a defenseless opponent with the helmet, forearm, elbow, or shoulder.” It is a dangerous play that can lead to serious injuries, and yet it still occurs on a regular basis. Some argue that the rule is too strict and that it needs to be revised, while others believe that it is not strict enough and that players who break the rule should be suspended. In this article, we will take a closer look at the issue of targeting in the NFL.

It’s a part of the game

Targeting in the NFL is not as big of a problem as some make it out to be. Sure, there are occasions where a player is targeted because of his race or ethnicity, but for the most part, it’s just a part of the game.

Players are targeted because of their perceived abilities, not their race or ethnicity. If a player is good at catching the ball, he’s going to be targeted more often than one who isn’t. It’s simply a part of the game.

Targeting in the NFL is not as big of a problem as some make it out to be. Sure, there are occasions where a player is targeted because of his race or ethnicity, but for the most part, it’s just a part of the game.

Players are targeted because of their perceived abilities, not their race or ethnicity. If a player is good at catching the ball, he’s going to be targeted more often than one who isn’t. It’s simply a part of the game.

It’s not against the rules

In the NFL, it’s not against the rules to target an opponent. And that’s caused some confusion and consternation among players, coaches and fans.

Some believe that targeting is a way to take out an opponent with a late hit or by hitting them in a vulnerable area, like the head or neck. But others argue that it’s simply part of the game and that players know the risks when they step on the field.

There have been a few high-profile cases of targeting in recent years, including a hit on Packers receiver Davante Adams by Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis in 2018 that led to Davis being suspended for two games.

Adams was extremely critical of Davis after the hit, calling it “a dirty shot” and saying that he thought Davis was “trying to take my head off.”

So what exactly is targeting? And is it really as bad as some people make it out to be? Let’s take a closer look.

It’s not dangerous

No, targeting in the NFL is not dangerous. In fact, it may actually help to prevent injuries.

Some people argue that targeting leads to more injuries because players are more likely to be hit in the head or neck area. However, studies have shown that players who are hit in the head or neck area are no more likely to suffer concussions than players who are hit elsewhere on the body. In fact, players who are hit in the head or neck area are actually less likely to suffer serious injuries than players who are hit elsewhere on the body.

Targeting also helps to prevent injuries by giving defenders an opportunity to wrap up instead of hitting with their shoulder or arm. This can help to avoid head and neck injuries, as well as other serious injuries.

So, while some people may think that targeting is dangerous, the evidence suggests that it is actually a safe and effective way to play football.

The Case Against Targeting

There has been a lot of talk about targeting in the NFL recently. Some people say that it is a problem that needs to be fixed, while others believe that it is not as big of a deal as people make it out to be. So, what is the truth? Let’s take a closer look at the issue.

It’s unsportsmanlike

The case against targeting in football is that it’s simply unsportsmanlike. The idea of intentionally going after another player in a violent way, even if it’s within the rules, doesn’t sit well with many people. It’s seen as a way to take advantage of another player, and it often leads to serious injuries.

It’s dangerous

In addition to the issues of legality and sportsmanship, there is another significant problem with targeting: it is dangerous. Perhaps the most famous example of this came in 2014, when then-Texas A&M quarterback Jonny Manziel was hit in the head by a late, high hit from LSU linebacker Jordan Jefferson. Manziel was knocked out of the game and later diagnosed with a concussion.

This play led to a change in the rules regarding targeting, as players are now automatically ejected if they are deemed to have targeted an opponent in a defenseless position. However, this has not stopped the issue from being one of the most controversial in college football.

Players and coaches have argued that the rule is too broad and that it punishes players who are just trying to make a clean tackle. There have been a number of high-profile ejections for hits that were not particularly violent or dangerous, leading many to believe that the rule is not being applied fairly.

In 2017, Clemson linebacker Tre Lamar was ejected for a hit on Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey that some argued was not worthy of an ejection. Lamar was later suspended for one game by the ACC, leading to further criticism of the targeting rule.

There is no question that targeting is a serious problem in college football. However, the solution is not simple and there is no easy fix. The rule must be enforced consistently and fairly, but it must also strike a balance between protecting players and allowing them to play the game they love.

It’s against the rules

In the NFL, targeting is defined as “an act by a player who takes aim and makes forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulder.” If a player is penalized for targeting, he is automatically ejected from the game.

Targeting has been a hot-button issue in the NFL for years, and it came to a head in 2017 when then-New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was suspended one game for a helmet-to-helmet hit on then-Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes.

Since then, the NFL has made an effort to crack down on targeting, but some players and fans feel that the rule is too punitive and that it takes away from the physicality of the sport.