Redding comments on Targeting Rule

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One of the most popular criticisms levied at the ruling however is the penalty incurred by the offending player’s team. Say a player is called for targeting and his ejection is overturned by instant replay, the ruling states while the player may return to the game, his team still is penalized 15 yards. Critics believe since instant replay exonerates the player then the team shouldn’t be penalized for the transgression.

Redding said those concerns will be a point of discussion when the rules committee meets in mid-February, but he wants the group to take its time before considering making any changes to the rule. “I’m going to try to get the committee to go slow on that one and have a very good discussion about it because I think we can be perceived as backing away from a very successful rule that is clearly intended entirely for the safety of the players,” he adds.

While major changes aren’t expected – this is an off-year for the rules committee when it comes to enacting legislation – Redding says there will be still be plenty of discussions on other key player safety issues including the overall impact of up-tempo offenses.

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