Joe Mixon Injured: Ryans Hip-Drop Tackle Sparks Debate
The Cincinnati Bengals suffered a major blow in their Week 17 matchup against the Buffalo Bills with the injury to their star running back, Joe Mixon. The incident occurred in the second quarter after a short pass reception, leaving many to question the legality and severity of Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano's tackle.
The Tackle and its Aftermath
The play in question saw Mixon attempt to gain yardage after a short pass reception. Milano, attempting to make the tackle, brought down Mixon with a "hip-drop" tackle, which is often referred to as a "peel-back" or "crown-of-the-helmet" tackle. This type of tackle involves using the hip to drive into the receiver's lower body, potentially leading to severe injury.
The impact of the tackle caused Mixon to immediately grasp his left knee in pain, and he was forced to leave the game. The Bengals have yet to provide an official update on the severity of Mixon's injury, but early reports suggest a potential knee sprain or a more serious injury to his ACL.
Controversy and the Rules
The tackle has sparked a fierce debate among fans and analysts about the legality and safety of such techniques. While many have argued that the hip-drop tackle is an unsafe and potentially career-threatening technique, others believe it to be a legitimate and legal tackling technique.
The NFL rulebook states that "a player cannot forcibly drive his helmet into the head or neck of another player." While the rule doesn't explicitly prohibit the hip-drop tackle, its potential for causing severe injury to the receiver has led to calls for stricter rules and more rigorous enforcement.
The Impact of the Injury
The injury to Mixon is a major blow to the Bengals, who are currently battling for playoff seeding. He is a vital part of their offensive scheme, and his absence could significantly impact their chances of making a deep playoff run.
The incident highlights the importance of player safety and the ongoing need for the NFL to address the issue of helmet-to-helmet tackles. As the league continues to grapple with the issue, the debate over the legality and safety of the hip-drop tackle is likely to continue.
Stay tuned for updates on Mixon's injury status and further discussions on the legality and safety of hip-drop tackles.
