Schlereth to NFL: Admit mistake with ‘knee-jerk’ use of helmet rule

Since the NFL owners approved it in late May, the league’s new use of helmet rule has been met with criticism.

But through two full weeks of preseason action, frustration over the rule — which makes it a foul if any player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with an opponent — have boiled over.

After Saturday’s preseason tilt with the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe tweeted out his frustrations with the new rule.

These penalties are getting ridiculous. Tough to take someone to the ground without landing on them, whipping them down, grazing their head or hitting their legs. This is a tough game for tough people.

— Derek Wolfe (@Derek_Wolfe95) August 19, 2018

Both the Broncos and Bears had 14 penalties on the night, combining for 293 total yards.

A gripe geared more specifically toward the use of helmet rule, San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman tweeted on Sunday his disapproval for the new guidelines.

There is no “make adjustment” to the way you tackle.  Even in a perfect form tackle the body is led by the head.  The rule is idiotic And should be dismissed immediately.  When you watch rugby players tackle they are still lead by their head.  Will be flag football soon.

— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) August 19, 2018

And on Monday, “Schlereth and Evans” co-host Mark Schlereth called Sherman “100 percent right,” saying the new rule is “knee-jerk,” “stupid,” and “idiotic.”

“There’s a faction of people out there in America that want to see football go away. That’s just the way it is. That’s reality. And you know what? Forget those people,” Schlereth said. That’s what I say.

“Embrace the fact that you are a modern gladiator sport and people love it. Hell, I played 12 years in this league. I stand on the sideline and watch the game, and I still can’t believe I actually played.”

Schlereth said the NFL would earn his respect if it came out and admitted that, upon further review, the new use of helmet rule was a bad idea.

“Admit that you made a mistake and just move on,” Schlereth said. “… Of course, the NFL is not so much about doing what’s right. It’s about being right. And they’re going to prove that they’re right, which is just stupid.”

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.