I think it is about as simple as that. Back in the 70's Burfict would be idolized.
But most everyone else in this era seems to have gotten the memo that things aren't done that way anymore.
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IMO how officials call that sort of play will have a bigger effect on who wins and loses the game than on who gets a concussion. I rarely see such a play result in a concussion. In fact the CTE thing comes from repeated blows to the head like what linemen endure. I don't think there's much they can do to legislate that.
It's pretty clear at this point that the NFL is not going to let Burfict play in the NFL and that the Bengals need to move forward and not count on him as a Starter. It's like the mistake the REDS make every year with Bailey.
Vigil, Minter, Lawson, Rey, Flowers, Dawson and Evansmoving forward. Anything Burfict brings is just bonus, but don't count on him.
It depends on what you're trying to be pragmatic about. If the refs aren't seeing everything, put another one on the field. What I'm trying to do is eliminate the "monday morning quarterbacking" that results in fines and suspensions like the one doled out to Burfict. If refs didn't see fit to flag him on the play, then their judgment should be paramount. It shouldn't be the judgment of someone in the NFL offices who might have an alternative agenda.