I knew the rules were watered down but isn’t prohibiting blitzing and preventing special teams from blocking kicks just one step away from prohibiting tackling? How can you have a defense when the offense already knows you ain’t blitzing?
I know the 1st rule is in the Senior Bowl. I agree it makes an already offensive game more offensive. Unless a player on the punt team decides to de-cleat the punter.
Blitzing? Hell, they don’t even pass rush. The linemen just tickle each other until the ball is thrown.
The Pro Bowl is not a football game. It is a football-like game where no one gets hurt and everybody wins some measure of happiness and suntan while trying to avoid high ankle sprains. That doesn’t mean it isn’t fun, but it’s not about trying to win, so whatever tactics are used shouldn’t really matter.
Likewise, the NHL All-Star game isn’t a hockey game - it’s a game of shinny where no one hits, scorers score and goalies don’t go out of their way to block too many shots because no one wants to get hurt.
I watched a few minutes of yesterday’s “game”, and was highly amused watching the Packers’ DT B.J. Raji “rushing the passer”…he was just sort of ambling in an upright stance towards the quarterback, while the offensive lineman was just sort of pushing against him to “slow him down”.
I watched about 2 series in the 2nd quarter. I understand why the players treat the game as they do, but it’s still an embarrassment to watch. Being a game where no one is really trying, I thought the fake punt and onside kick (which I missed) were worthy of the Sean Taylor treatment on Brian Moorman a few years back. Keep it easy and fair, and no one gets hurt. Try something tricky, and you’re going to pay.
I’m undecided on what’s worse: the paddy-cake the linemen play with each other, or the half-hearted short routes run by receivers who get half-hearted coverage by jogging linebackers.