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Arizona Cardinals: NFL needs a ‘leap’ of faith

By Scott Allen

Oct 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) leaps over the line as he attempts to block the field goal attempt by Arizona Cardinals kicker Chandler Catanzaro (7) in overtime at University of Phoenix Stadium. The game ended in a 6-6 tie after overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) leaps over the line as he attempts to block the field goal attempt by Arizona Cardinals kicker Chandler Catanzaro (7) in overtime at University of Phoenix Stadium. The game ended in a 6-6 tie after overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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One-year too late for the Arizona Cardinals but the NFL is considering changing a controversial rule

When Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner did a leap over the Arizona Cardinals offensive line on field goal attempt last October and subsequently blocked the kick, many Cardinals fans were not happy.  The leap however was deemed legal.

That leap in 2017 may be illegal by the time the NFL meetings in Phoenix wrap up this week.  It is one rule that is under consideration for change.

The NFL needs to change this rule.  Forget what happened in the Cardinals-Seahawks game, that’s water under the bridge.  At first it seemed illegal but in reality it wasn’t and the call was correctly made on the field.  It shouldn’t be a legal play though.

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The rule currently says as long as a player doesn’t leverage himself on the offensive players, then a player is allowed to leap.  It is not only a player that should be deemed illegal, it is also dangerous.

Wagner showed his great athletic ability on the play.  It was amazing he didn’t land on any lineman or touch them.

That is just one example of that play from last season but it is one Cardinals fans remember the most.  The NFL is all about making the game safer.  This change would be all about safety.

I respectfully disagree.  Sure, it is a great looking individual athletic play, no doubt.  However not only does it put offensive players at risk, it puts the leaper at risk.

What it also eliminates is that gray area of was the player using leverage or touching the back of the lineman.  There was often a huge debate of whether the play was legal or not everytime it happened.  Change the rule, we can all move on.

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