Reed likely to wear radio
helmet for 'D'
Apr/02/08 08:23 AM Filed in:
Ed Reed
PALM BEACH, Fla. // In a move
that should help stop another Spygate incident,
NFL owners approved a communication device for
defenses yesterday. Only one defensive player on
the field will wear a helmet similar to what the
quarterback is allowed on offense, letting him
communicate with coaches without hand signals.
"It didn't pass last year and it did pass this year,"
Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "So, you can
draw your own conclusions."
During this past season, coach Bill Belichick and the
New England Patriots were disciplined for taping
opposing coaches' defensive signals.
"I've been for that ever since the thing with the
quarterbacks came out," Belichick said
The Ravens were among the 25 teams that voted in favor
of the change (24 are needed for approval). All seven
teams that voted against it have head coaches with
offensive backgrounds (Green Bay, Oakland,
Philadelphia, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa Bay and
Washington).
Instead of linebacker Ray Lewis, the Ravens likely
would give the communication device to safety Ed Reed.
One reason is the device could get damaged by constant
hits. Another is the Ravens could be limiting Lewis'
playing time.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh suggested that the team
could pull Lewis off the field on passing downs. Teams
will want to give the communication device to
every-down players.
"His roles might change as far as what downs he's on
the field, but that's natural," Harbaugh said of Lewis.
"[But] he can still play."
(baltimoresun.com)