A new rule banning “swivel” hip drop tackles implemented by the NFL has drawn the ire of players and fans, but Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald doesn’t see the change as a problem.
While many NFL players and fans may be panicking about the NFL’s latest rule change prohibiting “hip drop” tackles, don’t count Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald among those concerned about the change.
Speaking with reporters during the NFL’s annual owner meetings on Tuesday morning, Macdonald downplayed the potential negative impact of the new rule, acknowledging hip drop tackles need to be abolished from the game and that he agrees with the decision to crack down on such techniques to improve safety for players, particularly the ball carriers who suffer significant injuries from them.
“I think you’re going to be able to adapt to it,” Macdonald remarked. “If you watch these plays, it is a dangerous play. It’s something that, it’s a maneuver that we got to get out of the game. It’s too dangerous to the guys carrying the ball.”
On Monday, NFL owners unanimously approved a proposal pitched by the competition committee prohibiting tackles where the defender wraps up an opponent and “unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.” These infractions will now result in a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down when flagged by officials.
Per NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller, the league found 230 instances of the now-outlawed “swivel” hip drop tackles last season, a 65 percent uptick from 2022. In addition, NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent told reporters in a conference call last week that the technique led to injuries at a 20-25 percent higher rate than standard tackles.
Not surprisingly, with such data confirming a significant increase in the dangerous tackles and the peril they present to those carrying the football, removing them from the game became a point of emphasis this offseason. But not everyone has been on board with the change, as many current and former players expressed their displeasure with the ban, including future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt, who argued the NFL might as well transition to flag football at this point.
“Just fast forward to the belts with flags on them…,” Watt opined via his X account.
Last week, the NFLPA released a statement pushing back against the proposal, suggesting that the new rule would be difficult to accurately administer on the field due to the subjectivity of hip drop tackles versus standard tackles.
“The players oppose any attempt by the NFL to implement a rule prohibiting a ‘swivel hip-drop’ tackle,” the NFLPA wrote. “While the NFLPA remains committed to improvements to our game with health and safety in mind, we cannot support a rule change that causes confusion for us as players, for coaches, for officials, and especially, for fans. We call on the NFL, again, to reconsider implementing this rule.”
From Macdonald’s perspective, however, he isn’t concerned about the Seahawks or other players around the league adjusting to the rule and doesn’t view it as a catastrophic change that will hinder NFL defenders. As long as he and his coaching staff are doing their jobs teaching proper tackling technique on the practice field and emphasize fundamentals, he doesn’t anticipate any issues avoiding hip drop tackles and in the end, he thinks the game will be much better for it.
“I understand there’s a lot of rules that have been implemented on how we’re playing defense in this league. And I think it goes to how well we coach tackling again, It puts a premium on how our coaching is fundamental throughout for our team. Obviously, definitely not coaching anything close to that. But if the guys were doing it the right way consistently, I think they’ll feel confident that they don’t have to resort to that specific movement and I think it’s better for the game overall.”
In the wake of the NFL’s announcement regarding the implementation of the new hip drop tackle rule, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald remains unwaveringly optimistic about his team’s ability to adapt seamlessly to the change.
In a recent press conference, Macdonald exuded confidence in the Seahawks’ defensive unit, expressing his belief that they possess the versatility and adaptability necessary to excel under the revised regulations.
“The Seahawks have always prided themselves on being a team that can adjust and evolve,” Macdonald stated emphatically. “This new rule is just another challenge for us to overcome, and I have full faith in our players’ ability to embrace it.”
The hip drop tackle rule, which aims to reduce the risk of lower-body injuries among players, prohibits defenders from initiating contact with an opponent by leading with the crown or hairline of the helmet and subsequently lowering the head to make forcible contact with any part of the body.
While some have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the rule change on defensive strategies, Macdonald remains undeterred, emphasizing the importance of proper technique and fundamentals.
“We’ve been emphasizing proper tackling technique since day one,” Macdonald affirmed. “Our players understand the importance of keeping their heads up and leading with their shoulder and chest, rather than relying on risky maneuvers.”
In preparation for the upcoming season, the Seahawks coaching staff has implemented drills and simulations specifically designed to reinforce the principles of safe and effective tackling.
“We’re leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure that our players are fully prepared to comply with the new rule,” Macdonald declared. “It’s all about staying disciplined and focused on executing our assignments within the parameters set forth by the league.”
As the Seahawks gear up for the challenges that lie ahead, Macdonald remains resolute in his belief that the team’s commitment to excellence will ultimately prevail.
“We’re not afraid of change,” Macdonald concluded. “We embrace it, and we’re confident that our dedication to mastering the fundamentals will continue to set us apart on the field.”
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