The Internet Rips The NFL's New 'Targeting' Rule After Bears' Nick Orr Gets Called For Penalty On What Used To Be A Routine Play

It’s going to be a long season if routine plays are called unneccessary roughness penalties in the NFL next season. In the second quarter of today’s Hall-of-Fame preseason game between the Ravens and the Bears, Bears defensive back Nick Orr made what used to be a routine play, lowering his head and diving into the Ravens receiver’s chest to break up a pass. NBC announcer Cris Collinsworth noted that this is a penalty under the new helmet rules adopted by the NFL this offseason.

It doesn’t matter now if you drop your head where you hit the opposing player, it’s no longer the head or neck area. If you drop your head to make a hit in the stomach or anywhere, it’s a penalty.

Of course NFL fans were not pleased with how the new rule was being enforced.

If Nick Orr’s hit is the new definition of the helmet contact rule it is a very poorly designed rule. Also #ProFrogs #GoFrogs #GoProFrogs

— Kevin Peters (@KDPeters99) August 3, 2018

You thought the catch rule would be the most subjective and random and impossible to adjucate rule the NFL ever put in and all of sudden targeting shows up.

— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) August 3, 2018

It’s clearly the preseason for the refs too. Didn’t like the unnecessary roughness call on Nick Orr. I’m sure this new helmet lowering rule will lead to quick whistles/anticipation calls. #Bears #PFHOF18

— Ryan Baker (@RyanBakerMedia) August 3, 2018