At least the NFL is reviewing the helmet rule.
It's been a disaster.
Offensive players should be able to lower their shoulder and do their best to avoid incidental helmet contact (trucking).Defensive tacklers have a tougher job, but as long as they dont launch themselves I can see this rule working.
The launch rule has worked. After Anquon Boldin got his face shattered in the end zone, they implemented the defenseless reciever rule which coincided with the launch rule.
These rules have worked as intended overall, almost no big hitter defenders are doing it any more, and if they are its rare and they are called almost every time and fined.
It hasnt fundamentally changed the game for the worse, if anything it has eliminated those disgusting, head crunching, neck separating hits that used to be featured on JACKED UP! and other highlight films.
If the league can properly institute the helmet rule I think it could be the final piece of the puzzle in terms of making the game safer, along with the launch rule, kick off return changes and concussion protocol.
I have seen defenders light people up (KO hit) just using their shoulder and explosive technique. Patrick Willis was the master of this art, I can remember countless hits that guy delivered and most of them were executed with this modern technique.