Texans' Mixon Hurt, Hip-Drop Tackle Debunked
The Houston Texans suffered a blow in their Week 1 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, with star running back Samaje Perine leaving the game with a knee injury. While the severity of the injury is still unknown, the play that led to Perine's exit sparked controversy.
The Play:
During the third quarter, Perine was tackled by Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith on a running play. The tackle, which appeared to involve Smith driving his hip into Perine's knee, drew immediate attention from fans and analysts. Many believed it to be a dangerous and unnecessary play that could have potentially caused serious injury.
The Controversy:
Immediately after the play, social media erupted with accusations of a "hip-drop" tackle, a move often seen as dirty and dangerous. However, a closer look at the replay revealed that the tackle, while hard, was technically legal.
Smith did not lower his hip below his knee and made direct contact with Perine's legs, not his knee. The tackle, while forceful, was a textbook example of how to bring down a ball carrier in the NFL.
Debunking the "Hip-Drop":
The term "hip-drop" is often misused and misunderstood. A true hip-drop tackle involves driving the hip directly into the opponent's knee, which is a dangerous and illegal move. The tackle on Perine, while aggressive, did not involve driving Smith's hip into Perine's knee.
The Takeaway:
While the tackle on Perine was certainly hard and impactful, it was technically legal and within the rules of the game. The reaction on social media reflects a growing concern about player safety in the NFL, but it's important to rely on accurate information and not jump to conclusions without careful review of the play.
Looking Ahead:
The Texans will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Perine, as his absence could significantly impact their offensive output. With the season just getting underway, the Texans will need their entire roster to stay healthy and perform at a high level if they want to compete in a competitive AFC South.
