New York Jets coach Robert Saleh expressed concern over the new Guardian Cap, saying the protective shells are causing players to use their helmets more than usual — and he is worried about the potential effects when they are removed later in the preseason.
“I think the spirit of it all is really good. It’s got great benefits … but I do think there’s a balance in everything, right?” Saleh said Saturday after practice. “Too much of anything is a bad thing.
“I do think because of the soft blow, it’s kind of lending the players to use their heads a little bit more. I do think the first time when they take it off — anybody who has played football knows the first time you take your helmet off or you hit with the helmet or you have a collision, there’s a shock. The cap provides a soft, padded outer shell for the helmet. The NFL’s goal is to curb the concussion rate. Saleh said he’s concerned.
“I am because I think there’s an acclimation period that is needed for actual pads for what they are actually going to use in the game,” he said. “So if you’re waiting until the game to actually feel that, I think it’s just going to be interesting to see what type of feedback we get from players.”(espn.com)