Mixon Injured on Hip-Drop Tackle by Ryans: A Controversial Play with Big Implications
The Bengals' Week 1 victory over the Browns was marred by a controversial play in the fourth quarter that saw running back Joe Mixon leave the game with a hip injury. The injury occurred after a hard hit by Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, a play that many have called a dangerous and potentially illegal hip-drop tackle.
What Happened?
With just under 5 minutes remaining in the game, Mixon was running towards the endzone when Koramoah met him head-on. Koramoah's tackle, which involved driving his hip into Mixon's legs, appeared to have driven Mixon's leg into the ground with an unnatural twist. The impact was enough to immediately force Mixon out of the game, and he was visibly in pain on the sideline.
The Controversy
The play sparked immediate debate. Many fans and analysts pointed to the dangerous nature of the tackle, citing a potential risk of serious injury. Others argued that the play was a legal, albeit forceful, tackle that should not be flagged.
The NFL rules on hip-drop tackles are complex. While the rulebook states that "a defender may not deliver a hit that is illegal or dangerous, such as targeting or a hit to the head or neck," there is no explicit rule prohibiting hip-drop tackles. However, officials are encouraged to flag tackles deemed to be reckless and potentially dangerous.
Mixon's Injury and its Impact
The extent of Mixon's injury remains unclear. While initial reports suggested a possible high-ankle sprain, further updates are awaited. Regardless of the severity, the injury throws a wrench into the Bengals' offensive plans. Mixon is a crucial part of their offense, and his absence could significantly impact their ability to run the ball and control the clock.
The Future of Hip-Drop Tackles
The controversy surrounding Mixon's injury has once again brought the debate on hip-drop tackles to the forefront. Some argue that the NFL needs to implement stricter rules to protect players, while others believe that the current rules are sufficient. Ultimately, the NFL will need to carefully consider the potential dangers of this type of tackle and determine if any rule changes are necessary.
In Conclusion
The play that injured Joe Mixon was a controversial one, raising important questions about player safety and the rules surrounding hip-drop tackles. While the NFL will continue to analyze the play and evaluate the impact of the injury, the incident serves as a reminder of the dangers inherent in the game and the importance of protecting players from unnecessary risks.
