Even in the midst of March Madness the NFL is making news - some of it not very popular.

At the annual owners’ meeting this week, two changes were made to the NFL rule book. The first ended the much maligned tuck rule and was met with general approval. (In an alternate universe Charles Woodson is vindicated and Tom Brady is gently weeping in Giselle’s lap.)

The second approves a penalty against any player who lowers his head and makes contact with the crown of his helmet in the open field.

“This meeting is primarily about evaluating our rules both from a safety standpoint and what we think we can do to improve and make the game safer,” said Commissioner Roger Goodell as the NFL trumpeted the new contact rule as as a positive step for player safety.

The new provision, however, favors finesse-style running backs who depend on speed and dexterity, but undoubtedly makes the job more difficult for the upright, straight-ahead bruiser. Although the new rule is meant to apply to both offensive and defensive players, many backs, like current free-agent RB Brandon Jacobs, are not happy about it. Jacobs tweeted his distaste:

While the owners (and their lawyers) may genuinely be interested in improving the long-term health prospects of the players, the new rule definitely takes a bite out of some of the smash-mouth excitement of the game.

Somewhere, Larry Czonka, Eric Dickerson and Jerome Bettis are shaking their heads.