NFL Training Camp: To Tackle or Not to Tackle
In a battle of new-school versus old-school, NFL coaches are either eliminating or escalating tackling in training camp.
Any old-school NFL player or coach will place a high emphasis on the need for tackling in training camp. They claim it gets the body ready for a rigorous season, and players can learn the proper techniques.
With the new practice rules laid out in the collective bargaining agreement, teams are doing less contact drills, specifically tackling.
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San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Chip Kelly has nearly zero tackling in his camps. He wants to keep his players as healthy as possible for the season, and puts an emphasis on unique techniques to get his players ready.
His counter-part in Philadelphia, Doug Pederson, is from a different branch of thought. He comes from the Andy Reid tree of coaches that want to see physicality on the field.
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Philadelphia as well as many other teams in camp, lost multiple players to contact injuries. Everything from concussions, strains, breaks, and everything else under the summer sun.
On the flip side, Chip Kelly’s teams have struggled to perform and produce when it comes to basic tackling in-game. While players are more likely to be healthy, they aren’t prepared for the season.
Unfortunately, there is very little balance between the two extremes of Pederson and Kelly. Players need to be ready mentally and physically for the season, whether that’s being healthy or prepared to play effectively.
The solution might just come out of the robotic tackling dummies developed by engineers at Dartmouth.
We highlighted the MVP (Mobile Virtual Player) tackling dummies during OTAs, and more teams are starting to take a look at the future of practicing.
The Steelers began using them three months ago, and Hard Knocks with the Los Angeles Rams showed coaches and players trying them out in practice.
While you can not eliminate all injuries, the dummies prevent teammates from hurting each other as they prepare for the season.
Perfect practice makes perfect. While health is always a key factor in having a successful season, proper technique can take you just as far.