Jaxson Dart is fearless and ultra-competitive, just like many NFL players. He wants to gain every inch on the field, but this drive can lead to risky situations and injuries.
Recently, there were reports urging Dart to be more cautious after he suffered a concussion during a game against the Bears. This isn’t the first time a team has had to remind a young quarterback to prioritize safety. For example, the Dolphins have worked with Tua Tagovailoa on protecting himself during plays.
In the NFL, avoiding unnecessary hits is crucial. Take Jimmy Garoppolo, for example. In 2018, he made a risky move by cutting inside instead of stepping out of bounds, leading to a torn ACL. Similarly, Robert Griffin III faced a lengthy injury recovery after trying to take a hit rather than avoiding it.
The importance of protecting oneself on the field isn’t new. In fact, Jets coach Rex Ryan once brought in Yankees manager Joe Girardi to teach Mark Sanchez how to stay safe during plays. Every team needs to coach their quarterbacks on avoiding contact effectively.
This approach isn’t just about running the ball; it’s also vital in the pocket. Quarterbacks should know when to release the ball or take a sack to avoid inevitable hits.
The saying “the best ability is availability” rings true. Quarterbacks who take unnecessary risks may end up missing games, which can hinder their development as franchise players.
With the NFL becoming increasingly aware of injury risks, coaches need to prioritize player safety. This trend is supported by recent statistics showing that concussions among players have become a serious concern, pushing teams to adopt safer playing methods and techniques.
In summary, while competitiveness is essential in the game, ensuring player safety is just as critical. After all, a healthy quarterback is a valuable quarterback.
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