The definition of a defenseless receiver already has been extended. Now, a receiver who has not had time to protect himself or has not clearly become a runner even if both feet are on the ground is considered defenseless.
How much time is enough time? Vague to me sitting here reading this, indecipherable to the player on the field. When has the player "become a runner" when both feet are on the ground? Can a guy just stand there and not run and be immune from tackling? Does that mean if we get the lead and have someone play statue we can run out the clock?
Defenseless players cannot be hit in the head or neck area with the helmet, face mask, forearm or shoulder.
So if the forearm or shoulder graze the head or neck, it's illegal. Gotcha. Pussy-ball.
The definition of such players now includes those throwing a pass; attempting or completing a catch without having time to ward off or avoid contact; a runner whose forward progress has been stopped by a tackler...
Yeah, cuz no one has ever
broken a tackle before, right?
Is football over? For real?