It's time we have a discussion about targeting. Let's set aside with the ejection aspect, for a moment, as I believe that needs changed. But undeniably, undoubtedly and unequivocally this was not only not a "textbook" form tackle, it was textbook targeting (formerly spearing).

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The version of this targeting rule predates targeting itself. The rule began in 1975 as what was called "spearing" as the "deliberate use of the head and helmet" to punish an opponent. No player should use helmet "butt" or "ram" an opponent.

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Anyone that played pee wee football in the 80s, 90s or beyond should know this as common sense. Every little leaguer football player was taught on day one not to look down when form tackling and not use the top of your helmet. This was a spear. Kids know this.

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In 1976, the rule was modified more adding the indicator "(N)o player shall intentionally strike a runner with the crown or top of his helmet," to the rule.

This revision brought more clarity to what you could and could not do with the crown of your helmet.

4

Again the rule was modified, slightly, in 1990 to include the facemask. Although leading with the facemask WAS actually a good form tackle, you couldn't do it maliciously. This version of the rule continued on until 2005. Then...

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