Recently, Tom Brady made headlines with his comments about quarterbacks and their role in protecting themselves, specifically regarding the NFL’s sliding rules. Brady, the NFL’s greatest quarterback, weighed in on the increasing number of quarterbacks running the ball and the risks involved. He argued that quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, who frequently run, put themselves in danger and shouldn’t expect defenders to always protect them. Brady’s comments have sparked significant discussion, and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has now responded, sharing his perspective on the topic.
Tom Brady’s Point of View
Brady, in his comments, acknowledged that quarterbacks have incredible athleticism and running ability, but emphasized that when they run with the ball, they expose themselves to significant injury risks. He believes that it shouldn’t be entirely on the defenders to protect the quarterback, especially when they are running the ball rather than staying in the pocket. Brady’s viewpoint essentially suggests that quarterbacks need to be more mindful of the risks they take by running, and that they shouldn’t always expect the defense to ease up just because they are quarterbacks.
Dan Orlovsky’s Response
Dan Orlovsky, a former quarterback and now an analyst, took to the airwaves to address Brady’s comments. Orlovsky agrees with Brady to some extent, particularly in the idea that quarterbacks need to be more cautious and aware of the risks when they choose to run the football. He acknowledged that quarterbacks have pushed the limits of the rules over the years, often using their athleticism to gain extra yardage and sometimes bending the rules by pretending to slide or heading out of bounds before cutting back in for more yards.
However, Orlovsky also pointed out that there is a significant challenge for defenders. He explained how defenders have mere fractions of a second to make a decision on how to tackle a quarterback who might be about to slide or who might continue running. The hesitation defenders feel when faced with a quarterback who could potentially fake a slide or make a sudden move makes their job incredibly difficult. Orlovsky emphasized that these split-second decisions can have huge consequences, not just for the defender but for the entire game.
The Impact of Sliding and Fake Sliding
One of the key issues in the conversation is the NFL’s sliding rules and how they apply to quarterbacks. Quarterbacks are afforded protection when they slide, and defenders are required to pull back in these situations. However, quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes have been known to fake a slide or run out of bounds, only to cut back inside for more yards. This behavior leaves defenders in a tough spot, as they are unsure whether they should continue the tackle, risk a penalty, or ease up and allow the quarterback to gain additional yardage.
Orlovsky explained that in such scenarios, defenders often choose to ease up to avoid a penalty, and this is something quarterbacks like Mahomes, who are highly skilled and capable of making these sudden moves, take advantage of. The problem arises when these decisions backfire, and defenders are left questioning their choices after the play.
The NFL’s Protection of Quarterbacks
The larger issue, according to Orlovsky, is the NFL’s consistent protection of quarterbacks. He acknowledged that the league does everything it can to ensure the safety of its quarterbacks, given their importance to the game’s ratings and revenue. However, as Orlovsky pointed out, this often creates a situation where defenders are at a disadvantage when trying to tackle a quarterback who has become a runner. He noted that the protections afforded to quarterbacks, combined with their growing running abilities, have made it increasingly difficult for defenders to make clean tackles without risking a penalty.
Final Thoughts
While Orlovsky agreed with Brady that quarterbacks need to be more mindful of the risks they take, he also sympathized with defenders who are tasked with making split-second decisions under intense pressure. The sliding rules, while meant to protect quarterbacks, have created a tricky dynamic in the NFL, with quarterbacks pushing the boundaries of these protections, knowing that defenders are hesitant to hit them too hard for fear of a penalty.
Orlovsky’s final takeaway is that both quarterbacks and defenders need to find a balance. Quarterbacks must be aware of their role in staying safe and avoiding injury, while defenders must continue to make decisions that are both smart and fair to protect themselves and the game’s integrity. Ultimately, it’s about making sure that both sides play within the spirit of the game, balancing player safety with the intensity and excitement that the NFL is known for.
This rewritten version clarifies the key points and creates a more cohesive flow, while keeping the essence of the discussion intact. Let me know if you’d like to make any further adjustments!
