What is this new "illegal blindside block"

[Shamoan]

The refs just called on kelvin Benjamin? Is this new this year?

Let me set the play up: McCoy catches a pass in the short side flats and Benjamin peels back from his rout and totally destroys a corner. Benjamin clearly hit him with his shoulder and contacts the defender on his shoulder. Cut and clean and devastating. 15 yard penalty. Just give them skirts already. This game is a shadow of itself. SAD!

 

[Dawgzilla]

It's the Hines Ward rule. They passed it in 2009 or 2010 after Hines seriously injured a couple of DBs. Hitting high from the blindside back towards the line of scrimmage.

 

[msstate7]

Did that pass make it beyond LOS? Should've been grounding

 

[Shamoan]

The Hines Ward rule prohibits contact to the head or neck area:

"-- The NFL today approved four new rules that focus on player safety, including the so-called Hines Ward Rule that affects blocking tactics. The blocking rule makes illegal a blindside block if it comes from the blocker's helmet, forearm or shoulder and lands to the head or neck area of the defender."

Benjamin's hit was clearly shoulder on shoulder. Not even close to the head honestly. I would understand had it been. Looks like it was a personal foul for knocking the **** out of somebody as cleanly and violently as possible.

 

[biodawg]

Those announcers said that hit was unnecessary and that Benjamin should've "boxed out, like in basketball" as opposed to going for the big hit. Their ***** words, not mine. Nevermind the fact that these same guys were praising the big hit highlight reels 5-8 years ago. SMH