Imagine getting a speeding ticket, having the charges dropped in court, but still having to pay the fines.
That was basically how targeting worked in 2013. Even if it was overturned by the booth, the 15-yard penalty stood.
But no longer:
Steve Shaw, SEC's coordinator of officials, says this year if a targeting foul is overturned, there will be no 15-yard penalty. #progress
— Mike Szvetitz (@Szvetitz) July 16, 2014
That's not all. Now, there's a "quarterback hit zone," which is basically from the neck down to the knees. (The NFL's "Tom Brady rule," basically.)
A rule change has been made to hits on passers. The passer can not be hit below the knees when in the passing stance and motion. #SECMD14
— Daily Mississippian (@thedm_sports) July 16, 2014