Missing the sound of football
Out in Oxnard California for Dallas Cowboys Training Camp, Monday was our first day broadcasting live from here and the first day in pads for the players.
Something was missing.
The sound of helmets crashing into each other – the sound of football.
Why? Guardian Caps – these protective shells on helmets. According to the NFL, all lineman (offense and defense) along with tight ends and linebackers are required to wear the cap through the week of the second preseason game. The cap provides a soft, padded outer shell for the helmet. The NFL’s goal is to curb the concussion rate.
They look more ridiculous in person that what you see on TV and while it falls under player safety, why not have it all the time? Obviously more contact in training camp but…
Talking with Cowboys corner Jourdan Lewis on The Blitz Monday, he says he is glad that he does not have to wear one – he was not a fan of how they look and wondered how it would affect his game.
That is something Jets Head Coach Robert Salah has talked about.
“I think the spirit of it all is really good. It’s got great benefits … but I do think there’s a balance in everything, right?” Saleh said Saturday after practice according to ESPN.com.
“I do think because of the soft blow, it’s kind of lending the players to use their heads a little bit more. I do think the first time when they take it off — anybody who has played football knows the first time you take your helmet off or you hit with the helmet or you have a collision, there’s a shock. I do think that if you are waiting until the first game for that shock to happen … I don’t know, time will tell. It’s just interesting with those Guardian Caps and what exactly are we trying to accomplish.”
I do know some area high schools use them. They are in the college game and now the NFL. If it can help reduce the impact to the head by 20 percent it’s worth it, but as Salah says, will it end up creating more issues.
And if they are that concerned, why not all the time, why not on Sunday?
Of course, if you look good you play good and nobody looks good with those beehives on their head.
R and R In the Morning and The Blitz are live at Cowboys Camp all week. Tune in. And let me know what you think on Twitter @JasonMinnix
