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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Atlanta, GA
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Atlanta, GA You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Atlanta, GA
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Atlanta, GA
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Atlanta, GA that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Atlanta, GA
‘The Gathering at South Forsyth’ gets the green light
Christopher Kinghttps://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/the-gathering-at-south-forsyth-gets-greenlight
Forsyth County commissioners voted yes on plans to move forward with a new multi-billion-dollar arena and adjoining live-work-play district.Commissioners voted 4-1 to enter into a binding memorandum of understanding with Krause Sports and Entertainment, the developers of ...
Forsyth County commissioners voted yes on plans to move forward with a new multi-billion-dollar arena and adjoining live-work-play district.
Commissioners voted 4-1 to enter into a binding memorandum of understanding with Krause Sports and Entertainment, the developers of The Gathering at South Forsyth. This allows the project to move forward.
More than a hundred people attended the meeting on Tuesday evening. Many expressed an interest in the project generating jobs, but some were skeptical it could actually draw a National Hockey League team back to the area.
What is The Gathering at South Forsyth?
The new development would sit at the southern end of the county. It will feature hotels, homes, and restaurants with its crown jewel being an 18,000-seat hockey arena.
The proposed live-work-play center would be located at Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Union Hill Road, about a mile from Georgia 400.
Could another NHL team come to Atlanta?
Metro Atlanta already had two pro-hockey teams leave the area: the Flames and the Thrashers. And the NHL has expressed no plans to expand the league or move a team to Atlanta.
However, the developers believe it is the right location and that they feel they may have the right team.
And what would happen to the project if it cannot land the NHL team? Developer Vernon Krause says he would have to reassess things.
Krause would like to open the arena in time for the 2027 NHL season.
Who would pay for The Gathering at South Forsyth?
Taxpayers split on The Gathering at Forsyth
The Gathering at Forsyth is seeking to draw an NHL team back to metro Atlanta that would be in an 18,000-seat area which would be a crown jewel in a live-work-place community.
Taxpayers are being promised they will not be paying for a thing. The project would be fully funded by real estate taxes from buildings on the 102-acre site.
No money was authorized during the Tuesday meeting.
Signing Kirk Cousins early was key to Falcons' offseason
ESPN.comhttps://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39815634/nfl-falcons-kirk-cousins
ReactionsLike35ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Atlanta Falcons had options to explore this offseason with regards to finding a franchise quarterback, and they had a clear Plan-A."Kirk (Cousins) was certa...
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Atlanta Falcons had options to explore this offseason with regards to finding a franchise quarterback, and they had a clear Plan-A.
"Kirk (Cousins) was certainly a high priority for us," coach Raheem Morris said Tuesday at the NFL annual meeting. "He was one of those things that we wanted to go out there and try to establish pretty early.
"It was huge for us -- gives us the best chance to win football games and go out there and compete every single weekend."
The Falcons signed the former Minnesota Vikings QB to a four-year, $180 million contract with a $50,000,000 signing bonus on March 11. His cap hit in 2024 will be $25 million.
Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot painted Cousins as the quarterback they needed to set the tone for the rest of the offseason. The team subsequently signed wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud, blocking tight end Charlie Woerner, and traded former starting quarterback Desmond Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals for wideout Rondale Moore, giving the team a new look -- and some needed depth -- on offense.
"That's why you have to be aggressive right away, early on," Fontenot said of snagging Cousins on Day One of the free agent period. "Try to get that done as soon as you can, because that's a critical part."
Morris was blunt last month at the NFL combine, saying he wouldn't have even been on the podium speaking to the media as the Falcons coach if the team's quarterback play -- a combination of Ridder and Taylor Heinicke -- had been better in 2023. Falcons owner Arthur Blank described the team's effectiveness from the position as "deficient" and former coach Arthur Smith was fired after the season.
Whether Cousins can transform the position from deficient to efficient will partly depend on how well the 35-year-old can return from the torn right Achilles he suffered eight games into last season. Blank said Tuesday on ESPN that Cousins' injury was the "most serious" he's ever had, but the QB is "exactly where he should be based on what the surgeons say, what the doctors say."
Cousins completed 69.5% of his passes with 18 touchdowns and five interceptions before the injury last season. Falcons quarterbacks, mostly Ridder and Heinicke, completed 61.7% of their passes for 17 touchdowns and 17 interceptions last season. Heinicke will remain on the team as a backup in 2024 and compete for the No. 2 spot, Morris said.
Morris has a history with Cousins. He was a defensive backs coach in Washington from 2012 to 2014 when Cousins played for the franchise. Cousins also played most recently for the Vikings under coach Kevin O'Connell, who is part of the same Sean McVay coaching tree as Morris. O'Connell was McVay's offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams and Morris was the defensive coordinator.
"When you can go get an established guy that is going through some of those bruises, those bumps -- and [I] actually got a chance to visually see it in D.C. -- I mean, you can't pass that up," Morris said.
Cousins will be the linchpin of an offense featuring young, skill-position players, including running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. All of them were drafted by Atlanta since 2021.
The Falcons were willing to explore other avenues to get a quarterback, everything from free agency to a trade to a trade up in the draft. But ultimately, in getting Cousins quickly, the rest of the offseason has fallen into place, especially on offense.
"It could have went completely other ways," Fontenot said. "If we don't get Kirk and we pivot in this area, it changes a lot of things. So many different scenarios. But we're very excited about this one."
Arthur Blank: 'Don't believe' Falcons tampered for Kirk Cousins
ESPN.comhttps://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39809081/arthur-blank-believe-falcons-tampered-kirk-cousins
ReactionsLike657Laugh8Fire3Wow1Interesting1ORLANDO, Fla. -- Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he doesn't believe his organization committed tampering during the team's pursuit of their new quarterback, ...
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he doesn't believe his organization committed tampering during the team's pursuit of their new quarterback, Kirk Cousins, as the NFL investigates the issue.
"The tampering deal, we obviously don't believe we tampered, and we shared all the information with the league," Blank said at the NFL's annual meeting Monday. "And they'll review the process and the facts and they are in the middle of doing that, and whatever the result is, we'll deal with it."
The Falcons officially signed Cousins to a four-year deal worth up to $180 million on the first day of official free agency, two days after his agent, Mike McCartney, announced on social media that Cousins and Atlanta had agreed to terms.
During Cousins' opening news conference, he indicated he had spoken with the team's head trainer before 4 p.m. on March 13, when the new league year was set to open. Teams can speak with agents during the legal negotiating window from noon ET on March 11 until the start of the new year, but cannot speak with players directly unless the player does not have an agent and is his own representation.
"When you get here and you look around and you think, boy, there's great people here," Cousins said on March 13. "And it's not just the football team. I mean, I'm looking at the support staff, meeting, calling yesterday, calling our head athletic trainer and talking to our head of PR, I'm thinking we've got good people here.
"And that's exciting to be a part of."
A day after Cousins' news conference, a league source told ESPN the NFL was looking into the matter.
Atlanta signed Cousins to replace the combination of Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder, who has since been traded to Arizona, as the starting quarterback. Cousins has completed 66.9% of his passes for 39,471 yards, 270 touchdowns and 110 interceptions for Minnesota and Washington after being selected in the fourth round of the 2012 draft by the now-Commanders.
Quarterback had been the priority of Atlanta's offseason and in Cousins, they believe they landed a solution to their position, which the club had been looking for since trading Matt Ryan to Indianapolis in March 2022. Atlanta has not finished a season over-.500 or reached the postseason since 2017.
"Obviously our football folks felt strongly. Our fans I definitely think would concur with that," Blank said Monday. "He's a very high-quality quarterback, he's performed at a high level for 12 years in the league and feel pretty fortunate having him as a quarterback and look forward to seeing the results with him.
"He has all the intangibles, not just the tangibles, but the intangibles. ... He's in house, ready to go to work, he is working and see how it unfolds."
Analysis: How each new wide receiver could fit with the Falcons
Amna Subhanhttps://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/analysis-new-wide-receiver-fit-darnell-mooney-rondale-moore-ray-ray-mcloud
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Since the Falcons secured their quarterback, Kirk Cousins, on the first day of the new league year, most of their efforts following have focused on finding weapons for Cousins.The Falcons signed wide receivers Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud and KhaDarel Hodge, while Rondale Moore was acquired via trade.Before making the transactions, the Falcons only had Drake London set in the 2024 position group. Hodge signed to return for a third season in Atlanta.For Cousins, having a variety of options t...
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Since the Falcons secured their quarterback, Kirk Cousins, on the first day of the new league year, most of their efforts following have focused on finding weapons for Cousins.
The Falcons signed wide receivers Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud and KhaDarel Hodge, while Rondale Moore was acquired via trade.
Before making the transactions, the Falcons only had Drake London set in the 2024 position group. Hodge signed to return for a third season in Atlanta.
For Cousins, having a variety of options to spread the ball around is key. In all but one season during Cousins' time in Minnesota, two or more wide receivers recorded at least 500 receiving yards. In 2018, two different receivers recorded more than 1,000 yards.
So, how could each new weapon fit into the Falcons' 2024 offense? Let's take a closer look.
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Mooney was the first receiver domino to fall after the Cousins signing. It was reported Mooney agreed to terms with the Falcons March 12.
The former Bears receiver accounted for 414 yards and one touchdown last season. In his four-year career, he has recorded 2,593 yards on a 59.2% completion rate.
While 2023 was the least productive season to date, Mooney has proved he can carry an offensive load. In 2021, Mooney recorded more than 1,000 yards as the Bears' top receiver that season. Every other season, he has fit as the second receiver option — that could very well be the case in Atlanta behind London. Mooney also has the potential to be a down-field threat as he has recorded at least six receptions of more than 20 yards per season.
Moore was the third new receiver added after the Falcons agreed to terms with the Cardinals to send quarterback Desmond Ridder in exchange for Moore on March 14.
Moore recorded 352 yards and a touchdown last season in Arizona.
Like Mooney, Moore has the opportunity to compete for the second receiver behind London. Moore had his best season in his rookie year, notching 435 yards receiving while catching 54 receptions at an 84.4% rate. He has been the third or lower option for the Cardinals with 23 starts in 39 total appearances. With an extended opportunity, Moore could make a jump in his fourth season.
Still, as a third option who has produced at least 350 yards and a touchdown in each of his three seasons in the league, Moore is still a significant upgrade from the Falcons' previous receiver production where only London recorded more than that amount.
McCloud agreed to terms with Atlanta March 14 and signed his two-year contract four days later.
McCloud has the potential to sit at the top of the Falcons depth chart next season as a returner. The receiver returned 24 punts for 203 yards and 10 kickoffs for 225 yards. In 2021, McCloud led the NFL in punt returns (38) and yards returned (367).
Dee Alford, Mike Hughes and Cordarrelle Patterson, now a free agent, filed out as Falcons returners last season. Avery Williams, who was the Falcons' designated punt returner the previous two seasons, spent the 2023 campaign on injured reserve. With McCloud's track record, he'll certainly compete to secure the spot during training camp.
McCloud can also contribute to the passing game. Previous to last season, McCloud recorded back-to-back years of more than 200 yards receiving, including a career-high 277 yards in 2021. That's by no means an eye-catching mark, but it keeps up with the Falcons' second-highest receiver total after London last season.
NFL owners meeting wraps up with game-changing rules implemented
Evan Birchfieldhttps://www.thefalcoholic.com/2024/3/27/24113255/nfl-owners-meeting-wraps-up-with-game-changing-rules-implemented-kickoff-hip-drop
It’s that time of the year again, as the Atlanta Falcons and 31 other NFL teams prepare for the upcoming season. The annual NFL owners meetings kicked off earlier this week in Orlando, FL, drawing together executives, general managers, and coaches to address various issues as the new league year begins. Among the topics under discussion were proposed rule changes brought forth by teams or the competition committee.Recently, owners convened to vote on a ...
It’s that time of the year again, as the Atlanta Falcons and 31 other NFL teams prepare for the upcoming season. The annual NFL owners meetings kicked off earlier this week in Orlando, FL, drawing together executives, general managers, and coaches to address various issues as the new league year begins. Among the topics under discussion were proposed rule changes brought forth by teams or the competition committee.
Recently, owners convened to vote on a range of proposed rules, spanning from roster regulations to in-game strategies. That’s what we’ll briefly be going over today.
The new rule addresses a specific tackling technique dubbed the “swivel hip-drop tackle,” deeming it a foul if a player employs this method to bring down a runner. This tackle occurs when the defender grabs the runner using both hands or wraps them with both arms, then unweights themselves by swiveling and dropping their hips and/or lower body, consequently landing on and trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.
The implementation of this rule has sparked considerable controversy within the football community, and it took social media by storm. While defenders are still permitted to tackle opponents by the hips, they risk being flagged if they execute a maneuver that involves rolling on top of the runner’s legs.
This adjustment aims to enhance player safety and reduce the likelihood of serious lower-body injuries during tackles. However, it introduces a new layer of interpretation and enforcement for officials on the field, which has understandably made fans and league observers wary.
Under the new kickoff rules, both teams, except for the kicker and returner, must stay still until the ball is caught or hits the ground. They line up five to seven yards apart. If the ball lands between the 20-yard line and the goal line, it must be returned. Different outcomes apply depending on where the ball lands. If it lands before the designated zone, it’s a touchback at the 40-yard line. If it rolls into the end zone from the landing zone, it’s a touchback at the 20-yard line. If it goes straight into the end zone or out of bounds, it’s a touchback at the 35-yard line.
These changes, borrowing from old XFL rules, aim to make kickoffs more relevant and safer. They discourage simply kicking the ball out of the end zone and encourage returns. Both teams lining up face-to-face enhances safety. This could be an improvement.
Another rule that should receive some positive feedback is the NFL moving the trade deadline back one week, with it now being in Week 9. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions within the league about optimizing the trade window for teams as they strategize their roster adjustments mid-season. By extending the deadline, teams now have an additional week to assess their performance, address any roster gaps, and potentially make impactful trades to bolster their squads for the remainder of the season.
So there you have it. These are mainly the important rules, where a few other ones were also implemented and you can read them in their entirety by clicking here. Surely none of these new rule changes will impact the Falcons in a negative way, right?
Disclaimer:
