Ryans' Mixon Hip-Drop Tackle: Legal or Dirty Play?
The NFL is a game of physicality and aggression, but where does that line blur between a hard-hitting tackle and a dirty play? One specific play that has been debated is Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon's hip-drop tackle on Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Mike Hughes in Week 17 of the 2022 season.
The Play
The incident occurred on a fourth-and-one play in the fourth quarter of the game. With the Bengals trailing by three, Mixon was attempting to gain the necessary yardage for the first down. As he was tackled by Hughes, Mixon delivered a hip-drop tackle that appeared to drive Hughes's head into the ground. The play drew a penalty for unnecessary roughness, but Mixon was not ejected.
The Debate
The play sparked a debate about the legality and the intent behind Mixon's actions. Some argued that the tackle was a legal play, citing the fact that Mixon did not lead with his helmet and appeared to be trying to make a tackle in a normal football manner. Others, however, argued that the hip-drop tackle was a dangerous move that could have resulted in serious injury to Hughes. They pointed to the fact that Hughes was clearly vulnerable and Mixon's actions seemed to be an attempt to inflict pain rather than make a tackle.
Rules and Regulations
The NFL rulebook states that "a player cannot use his helmet to initiate contact against an opponent" and that "a player cannot target the head or neck area of an opponent with the crown of his helmet." While Mixon did not lead with his helmet, the force of the tackle did seem to drive Hughes's head into the ground. The rulebook also states that "a player cannot use his helmet to initiate contact against an opponent" and that "a player cannot target the head or neck area of an opponent with the crown of his helmet." However, the rulebook is open to interpretation, and the NFL has a history of inconsistent enforcement of these rules.
Intent and Impact
One of the key issues surrounding the play is the intent behind Mixon's actions. Was he simply trying to make a tackle, or was he attempting to inflict pain and injury on Hughes? This is a subjective question, and it is difficult to say for certain what Mixon's intentions were. However, the force of the tackle and the fact that Hughes's head hit the ground suggest that Mixon's actions were not simply a routine tackle.
The impact of the play also needs to be considered. While Hughes did not appear to suffer a serious injury, the potential for injury was certainly there. Hip-drop tackles can be particularly dangerous because they can drive the head into the ground, increasing the risk of concussions and other injuries.
Moving Forward
The debate surrounding Mixon's hip-drop tackle highlights the need for clarity and consistency in enforcing NFL rules. The league needs to be clear about what constitutes a legal tackle and what is considered a dirty play. Players need to understand the rules and the potential consequences of breaking them.
While the play itself may be a matter of opinion, it raises important questions about player safety and the role of physicality in the NFL. As the league continues to evolve and player safety becomes a priority, it is crucial that these issues are addressed in a comprehensive and transparent manner.
