During the NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, two proposed rules changes were approved by the competition committee.

The first rule is (*gasp*) a change that will protect defensive players. Peel back blocks, much like the one that ended Brian Cushing's season. No longer will offensive players be able to block below the knees from behind the player.

The other change is that no team may overload one side on kicking attempts. Doing either one of those things will now be penalties.

There are other rules still under consideration, including a change to the Jim Schwartz challenge flag rule, offensive players and lowering helmets and the tuck rule.

I, for one, am pleased to see the league finally stop dumping on defensive players. Now there is finally a rule to protect defenders. Depending on the resolution, I am for the change making it illegal for offensive players to use their helmet to hit defensive players. Many times, a defensive player goes to hit a ball carrier low, only to have the offensive player lower his helmet. Then the defender is penalized for helmet-to-helmet. That's not right.

What do you think about these new rule changes?

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