Rating: (0 votes - average)

NFL players got their first look at the league's new helmet rule in Thursday night's Hall of Fame Game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Chicago Bears.

The rule prohibits players from leading with their helmets when making contact with an opposing player. Egregious violators can face ejection.

Officials Thursday threw several flags on tackles where players led with their helmets. Fans complained on social media. But New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton said he thought his team had a good reaction to its enforcement.

"We went through it," Payton said. "It's a little bit easier for our group because I'm on the competition committee and so (I was) sitting in on those meetings in Florida and understanding the goal of not just the helmet rule but the goal of any of these points of emphasis or the kick off, or the catch. You have obviously a much clearer picture as to the specifics because you sat in a room. We spent a day on some of these topics."

In addition to the staff covering the change with players, Payton said having NFL officials at training camp has been beneficial as they've been available for questions about the helmet rule as well as other changes, such as the catch rule.

Saints linebacker Hau'oli Kikaha said that players will have to be more conscious of their techniques when tackling but doesn't think players are going to have that much trouble adjusting to the new rule.

"It should be pretty easy to get used to," Kikaha said. "There are going to be accidents, I'm sure, that guys kind of forget or bang-bang plays where you don't really have time to adjust."

Link Back on NOLA