Tackling Drills

Maybe it's just me, but it seems as if NFL defenders get worse and worse at tackling every year. I'd like to think that it's just the offensive players getting more and more elusive, but from the look of the terrible technique that isn't very likely. Everyone seems to be going for the giant highlight-reel hit instead of breaking down and making a solid form tackle.
I just watched Michael Turner run through 3 or 4 Packers defenders en route to a touchdown. And most of those guys were just throwing shoulders and arms trying to bring down a big powerful running back. That's just not going to happen. Does it look glamorous to have a guy bowl you over while making a tackle? No. But it's better than whiffing on the hit and watching him run down the field for big yards.
In high school you work on form tackling starting on day 1 and continuing until the very last day of the season. Every practice involves some type of tackling drill. You get trained on how to come in under control, get you head across their body, shoulder into the midsection, wrap up, and drive with your legs. You don't tuck in your arms and try to knock them down. You don't throw your body at their knees. You don't sprint in out of control so they only have to move by 12" to make you go flying by.
I remember my senior year playing on kick-off coverage. We were playing Palatine HS who had their stud (who was voted Mr. Illinois at the end of the year) returning kicks. The guy was a beast. 6-4 240lbs. And sure enough me, all of 5-9 180, had a shot at him on the opening kick. I'd love to say that I came in there and blew him up. Quite the opposite. Tackling him was like tackling a telephone pole. But it was a perfect form tackle. Shoulder to the gut, wrapped him up, and even though he ran through me, he only got a couple more yards before I had him on the ground. (And not for nothing, the coaches did single the play out in our video session on Monday.)
I'd love to see a return to some quality tackling in the NFL and college ranks. I love to see big crushing hits as much as anyone. But I only really respect the guys that did it with good technique. With the renewed focus on limiting shots to the head and dangerous hits, I think we may see a return of proper form. Players will finally be rewarded for tackling the correct way instead of glorifying the guys that don't.