Ever watched an NFL game and wondered why some defenders (like DeAngelo Hall(notes), above) seem to regard tackling as an optional activity or nuisance? Joseph White of the Associated Press has a theory about why this is and it's pretty good (and so obvious that it's a wonder more people don't talk about it): Tackling ability has declined in recent years because teams almost never work on the skill in practice. (Practice?!)

Go read the article. It's one of the most informative pieces I've read about the NFL this year. Here's the basic gist: Teams are reluctant to attempt live tackling in practice because of the fear of injury. As a result, players learn bad habits like overrunning plays, taking bad angles or trying to tackle high (like DeAngelo Hall, above).

The only fallacy in this argument is that there are plenty of good tacklers in the league. But it does make sense that some players have seen their skills fall off because of the lack of preparation in the area.  As Washington Redskins safeties coach Steve Jackson says in the article:

"You train yourself to 'just miss'. And now (in a game) you have untrain yourself in a manner of split seconds."

What's the counter to this, though? Does the lack of tackling in practice help or harm offensive players? Clearly it helps them avoid injuries in non-game settings, but does a receiver experience a similar decline because he can't work on juke moves or stiff-arms or how to break contact? If one is true, it stands to reason that the other is too.

This problem is only going to get worse. The NFL is trending toward more caution, not less. Teaching tackling theory can only go so far. But you can't argue with the thinking of Wade Phillips:

"We teach tackling fundamentals, but there's no reason to tackle our own guys."

Well, unless you're this dude.