Belichick: New helmet rule 'fairly clear-cut'

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick seemingly went against the grain by saying his team has a proper understanding of the NFL's new helmet targeting rule.

"I think we understand it. I think I understand it," Belichick said on WEEI radio on Monday. "Our team looked at probably 25 plays last night. And I think all of us could see those plays, why they were called, and the ones that weren't called, why they weren't called."

The rule - which aims to prevent players from initiating contact with their helmets - has drawn the ire of star defenders and coaches, and even held up the signing of one of this year's top rookies.

However, Belichick said the new regulation should be relatively straightforward for his players to follow.

"The officials have a tough job to make that judgment, but I think the rule is fairly clear-cut. If you lead with your head and make contact with the opponent, then that's a foul," he said.

Belichick added that ultimately, it doesn't make much difference what he thinks about the rule.

"It doesn't matter whether I like the rule or don't like the rule or what I think the rule should or should(n't) be called," he said. "That's not my job. My job is to understand the rule and to coach it."

With h/t to CBS Sports

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