With the offseason in full swing, the NFL has been busy hammering out a bevy of rule changes moving forward. Among the most notable changes is that of the NFL's new helmet rule.

The NFL has decreed moving forward that players are no longer allowed to lower their helmet to initiate contact. According to Albert Breer of the MMQB, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson is among the staunch supporters of the new rule:

“I’m really glad that we’re headed in this direction,” said Eagles coach Doug Pederson. “I think this is a rule that’ll eventually remove those egregious plays, those head-hunting type plays.”

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Pederson's comments should come as no surprise considering his pedigree as a former player and offensive minded coach. However, the new ruling has been met with much criticism due to the uncertain nature of how it is going to be called.

It goes without saying that the initial ruing already favored players on offense. The changes will now make it even more difficult for those on defense to make what now qualifies as a clean hit.

The NFL has installed a number of changes in recent years to help reduce the number of instances where helmet-to-helmet contact is involved. However, it has brought with it plenty of discussion about the direction the game is headed. There is no doubt that the issue of CTE among the NFL's players has become a topic of discussion over the last decade. As a result, it seems the league is hoping the new precautions will help reduce the dangers of playing this game.