Mixon Injured After Controversial Tackle by Ryans: Was It a Dirty Hit?
Cincinnati Bengals' star running back Joe Mixon left Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens with a concussion after a hard hit by Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith. The play, which resulted in a penalty, sparked a heated debate about the severity of the tackle and the potential for dangerous hits in the NFL.
The incident occurred in the second quarter as Mixon was attempting to gain yards on a screen play. Smith, who was coming in from the edge, delivered a forceful blow to Mixon's head, sending the running back to the ground. The impact of the hit was clearly audible, and Mixon remained motionless on the field for several minutes before being helped to the sideline.
While the officials flagged Smith for unnecessary roughness, many viewers and analysts argued that the tackle was a dangerous and potentially illegal hit. The play was particularly controversial because of the lack of attempt by Smith to lower his head and target the running back's body.
What are the Experts Saying?
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Former NFL players and commentators: Many have criticized Smith's tackling technique, pointing to the lack of effort to make a clean, safe tackle. They argued that the hit could have resulted in a more serious injury, especially considering Mixon's head-first position at the time of the collision.
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NFL analysts: Some analysts have defended Smith, arguing that the hit was within the rules of the game and that the penalty was sufficient punishment. They noted that Smith was attempting to make a play on the ball and did not intend to injure Mixon.
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Medical professionals: While the NFL has implemented stricter protocols for head injuries, some medical experts have expressed concern that the culture of aggressive hits still persists within the league. They argue that the league needs to do more to protect players from potential long-term health consequences.
The Impact of the Injury
The severity of Mixon's concussion is still unknown, but his absence is a significant blow to the Bengals' offense. As one of the league's most dynamic and versatile running backs, Mixon provides the Bengals with a critical threat both on the ground and through the air.
The Bengals will need to rely on their backup running backs, Samaje Perine and Chris Evans, to carry the load in Mixon's absence. However, the loss of their star player could have a significant impact on the Bengals' offensive game plan and overall success.
Moving Forward
This incident raises important questions about the safety of players in the NFL and the need for further measures to protect them from dangerous tackles. The league has made strides in recent years to address the issue of concussions and other head injuries, but the debate over the definition of a "clean hit" continues.
This incident will likely continue to be debated and discussed as the season progresses. The NFL will need to carefully consider the implications of this play and others like it in order to ensure the safety of its players while maintaining the competitive spirit of the game.
