Why is defensive holding an automatic first down?

[seahawkfreak]

Well if the intent of the rule is to stop DB's from manhandling WR's in order to make the product a more enjoyable experience for fans..........then making it as harsh as possible is the way to do it right?

If defensive holding was only a five yard penalty, no first down, then DB's would do it all the time when they're getting beat. Obviously a small 5 yard penalty is way better than giving up a big play.

It is harsh, and I hate it when our DB's or LB's get called for it, especially when the other team had a 3rd and 15 or something like that. But I understand what the league is doing, trying to stop all the grabbing and holding.

Enjoyable to uneducated fans. No hate but informed NFL fans enjoy good games played with good D and chess like offense. I hate huck and chuck teams. My mom is a Broncos fan and just can't bring herself to enjoy her team. I tell her they are 5-0, "yeah but they don't look good." She doesn't allow herself to revel in how good their Defense is this year. Why, because she's not football informed and has no relativism. To her, lots of points good record, good team.

Targeting these fans is bringing football down. Football players wearing pink an entire month ukeface:

 

[Seahawkfan80]

^^^^^^^^^^^ agree....way too much pink. $$$$$$$$ as they get the new line of Pink.