Quote:Referees don't care where the initial collision occurred. The only thing that matters to them is the helmets made contact at some point during the hit. The NFL wants that. Mike Tirico said even "a tap on the head" is a penalty. So I totally understand why a flag was thrown for a legal hit.

 

I care about the Luke Kuechly penalty not being called because I wanted Carolina to lose. For the record, Tom Brady said it was a bad pass.

 

A "tap of the head" isn't a penalty. 

 

The helmet-to-helmet penalty ask for the crown to collide with any portion of another's helmet. 

 

Striking, Kneeing, or Kicking an opponent requires that the defender directly hit the neck or head.

 

A forcible hit to the passer's neck area is a penalty. The problem I have with this call is that Brees's actions directly contributed to the "forcible" part AND the "neck area". Brees moved into Brooks and lowered himself. We're already seeing offensive players leading with their helmets, but the defenders are pulling up to avoid contact. These calls don't hold the offensive player accountable. If the purpose is to protect the players, then both sides need to be judged equally. 

 

We refs will use the "neck area" to defend their call, but it his his chest and we all know it. 

---