Dunta’s hit on Jackson: Scary, but was it against the rules?
Dunta Robinson was fined $50,000 by the NFL today, and his hit on DeSean Jackson was indeed terrifying. Both men stayed down for a while; both had to be helped to their respective locker rooms; both have been diagnosed with concussions. But now the question:
When did “terrifying” become the same as “illegal”?
The NFL announced today it will start suspending players for “egregious and elevated hits.” (This from Ray Anderson, the league’s director of football operations who was once a Falcon exec.)
On Monday, Anderson told Chris Mortensen of ESPN: “We can’t and won’t tolerate what we saw Sunday … These devastating hits and head shots with a very necessary higher standard of accountability … What we saw Sunday was disturbing. We’re talking about avoiding life-altering impacts.”
Thing is, Robinson’s hit wasn’t helmet-to-helmet. It was shoulder-pad-to-helmet. (It appeared helmet-to-helmet to everyone in the stadium, but replays indicated otherwise.) Robinson was penalized for hitting a defenseless receiver, which Jackson might not have been. He’d gotten his hands on the ball and taken a step and a half before Robinson slammed into him.
Understand: Nobody wants to see a guy’s life or his livelihood imperiled. But what exactly is the definition of “devastating”? Something that just looks bad? That makes the fans in the stands go “Ooh”? In a sport where the idea is to hit the other guy hard, is it possible to be penalized/suspended for hitting cleanly but too hard?
The NFL’s intent is noble. Its methodology will be unworkable. It is, lest we forget, the N-F-L. It’s not the National Flag Football League.
The Eagles’ reaction was instructive: Nobody was heard to call Robinson a headhunter or a taker of cheap shots. If anything, the Eagles were concerned about their man but also about the man who’d hit him. Two guys were playing hard. Too hard, apparently.
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420 comments Add your comment
whatever ex BCS and ex=nfl
October 19th, 2010
9:29 pm
seriously, let them play, the nfl is not a touch football league
kill the nfl
October 19th, 2010
9:30 pm
so is that considered pretax money or is taken out after taxes…if it’s after taxes then that is the real crime here!
Pu$$IE$
October 19th, 2010
9:32 pm
Enter your comments here
5150 P.O.A.D.
October 19th, 2010
10:05 pm
I guess the NFL wants teams to play Defense like the UGA Bulldogs. Way to big a fine for playing a Big Boys Game. Lets just pay them Millions of dollars to play 2 hand touch.
Falcons, Class of the NFC?
October 19th, 2010
10:11 pm
That play turned the tide of the game. If DR had to do it over, what would he do?
Chucktown38
October 19th, 2010
10:19 pm
Those of you who say Robinsons hit was not CLEAN what crack pipe are you smoking?? That goes to any NFL Rep as well!! The replay clearly shows Jackson Head snapping back after impact not during.I did not see any thing hit jackson head but the ground. He just got knocked the( you know what) out.(Friday reference).I understand protecting players, but when did little girls start play Professional Football in the National Football Leauge?. Cant touch the Qb anymore wistles are never blowen at the right time, calls go to high profile players more and more. Hell maybe the Nfl has the players wearing pink for a different reason that cancer awarness?? Don’t ask don’t tell RIGHT?
Chucktown38
October 19th, 2010
10:22 pm
J$$ I understand what you are saying but this changes Football yet again. Not really for the better. These players make million of dollors to play a bone crushing sport, not everone can play it, so let them play.
PTI guys
October 19th, 2010
10:29 pm
It’s what baseball and basketball is for…don’t play a violent sport like football if you don’t want to be subject to such plays. His team was getting beat down and he had the chance to break up a critical pass reception with a hard hit by using his shoulder pads. It’s ridiciulous that we’re even talking about this. Warren Sapp/Chad Clifton was a malicious hit for no reason…you can’t even parallel this situation.
The Ole Ball Coach
October 19th, 2010
10:38 pm
Legal Hit
fd
October 19th, 2010
11:14 pm
All of you men need to get over your egos and stop living in fantasy. Football is a freaking game that doesn’t mean a thing in the larger scheme of life! There is no reason why a player should not be relatively healthy after his playing days are over! Concussions, paralysis, and spinal injuries are not worth it. For all of you who love the bone crushing hits, why don’t you be just as vocal and demand that these guys get better pensions and medical care after their playing days. Quit living in fantasy!
yo
October 19th, 2010
11:18 pm
ex-BCS & ex-NFL no one wants to see people hurt.
You seem to be so willing to talk down to those who never played in the NFL as if you are wearing it as your official badge. As if you are now the expert to all of the NFLs problems.
Without the “losers” as you call them there would not be an NFL and you would now not have your precious opinion (about the NFL). Nor could you be wearing your NFL badge of honor.
People know what they are getting into when they get into the NFL.
It is their choice and none of “us” so called “losers” are holding a gun to their head forcing them to do so.
The NFL will always be a violent sport because people are running
into each other at full speed. Even in baseball the occasional colisions can be violent and they don’t wear face masks and helmets. There are steps that can be taken
to try to improve peoples safety but on the other hand I don’t think
people care to watch touch football either.
So there is a fine line. Without the “losers” no NFL. Simple as that.
Then you would have to be blogging on some political blog or something
instead of this NFL blog you find yourself on.
Seems you too have more interest in the NFL for “losers” than you care to let on.
Legal hit.....
October 19th, 2010
11:27 pm
I sincerely hope that both of these guy recover 100%.
The NFL need to review this poor decision. This kind of hit is part of the game.
I do have a question.. Was there a little brown spot on the back of the receivers puke green pants after the hit?
Sorry, I am not an Eagles fan.
Timbo
October 19th, 2010
11:30 pm
Don’t hate the playa hate the game….Clean hit. Dunta did his job.
Techbuzz
October 19th, 2010
11:39 pm
For all you morons that can’t read, it said in the article (and I saw the game replay as well), Daunta did NOT lead with his head. He hit him with his shoulder first! Geez people. learn how to read a damn article.
Now, does it suck when people get hurt when they play, yes, but that is a risk you take suiting up on Sunday’s. I’m all for seeing guys get lit up!! If anyone has the balls, go ask Jack Lambert (former linebacker for the 70’s Pittsburgh “steel curtain” defense) how he feels about these new “contact” rules! He’ll laugh in your face.
Why was it alright back then with a helluva lot LESS protection/equipment, while today there are so many advances in modern football equipment, yet the rules of contact are more severe???? makes no damn since.
mac
October 19th, 2010
11:46 pm
D.R. Has Cost His Team BIG Time For 3 Weeks Running..I Think He Feels The “heat” Of His $57M
Contract..What A Joke He Is..Beaten Consistantly Week After Week!!
The Falcons Need Their Collective Heads Examined For EVER Signing This Guy!! I’ll Take Brent Grimes Ahead Of Robinson Anytime..
The Sorry Ass Falcons Are NOT Getting Better From Week To Week..I’m Sick Of Coach?? Smith
Repeating The Same Ole Tired “Mantra” Of How He Is Going To Fix Things Before The Next Game & They Never Get Fixed!!
How Is It The “opponets” Defense Shuts Down Our Offense AND Knows How To Exploit Our Defense Week After Week???????? Could It Possibly Be Our Sorry Ass Coaches Are OUT COACHED???
The Falcons Are NEVER Going To Be Serious Contenders Until They Get An Offensive minded
Top Tier Coach..Not Some Lame Duck Wanna Be Assistant Coach!! Take It To The Bank!
Football Fan
October 20th, 2010
12:25 am
I agree with most here, the hit was clean, but to get to the root of the problem, the real issue is how the last few generations of players have been coached on defense. If you watch high school level and up, and now even youth league, you see players are taught/instructed to use what I call a block tackle. Where instead of the DB wrapping up and running through the tackle, you see more just throwing their body into the offensive player to make the tackle. Check the history, we see more shoulder, neck and back injuries, most of which from the guy that delivered the blow. When you elect to use this form of tackle you place your own body in a vulnerable state to suffer injuries. As for the youth, I see it every saturday, tackle after broken tackle trying to copy what they see in the college and NFL.
Dirty Bird
October 20th, 2010
12:26 am
http://pricezack.wordpress.com/2010/10/18/the-bcs-who-will-raise-the-crystal-ball/
Ken Stallings
October 20th, 2010
12:57 am
You folks (including Bradley) are nearly all missing the essential point. The rules are changing in mid-season — unprecedented. This alone indicates the emphasis. Head-to-head blows are outlawed. So are the kill shots.
In the past, tackling was more about wrapping up the ball carrier so he couldn’t break away from the tackle. You hardly ever saw the helmet used as a weapon because 30 years ago the helmets simply did not offer the protection.
In my view, the new rule doesn’t go far enough, but is a step in the right direction. The NFL simply should outlaw use of the helmet as a weapon. If player contact is initiated with the crown of the helmet, it is a 15 yard penalty and game suspension.
This includes the ball carrier lowering his helmet as a battering ram.
I’d also like to see the stiff arm outlawed, along with any hands to the face. A form tackle is when the head is up and the arms wrap around the ball carrier and lock him up, with the feet and legs driving him backwards.
That’s what the NFL needs to get back to. A positive benefit is that tackling will improve league wide.
stendek
October 20th, 2010
1:31 am
In wonderful mood. Damn Yankee bestards stomped in New York. Hate those obnoxious overrated a$$es. Ready to discuss $50,000 Falcon fine. Total crapola! Completely legal hit. Every unbiased person who has commented on the hit are perplexed by the fine. Folks on this blog who contend hit was outside bounds of legal play can **** off! Including X everything plus all the other a$$holes who want to turn the National Football League (NFL) into a touch football organization. Eagle scum CAUGHT ball. Allowing player to race to end zone would not have put Dante Robinson in good light with teammates or coaching staff. What the Hell was Falcon supposed to do? Give the SOB candy and flowers then a kiss? Idiots on this site who want to soften pro football can take up damn knitting! Just do not roll up yarn too tightly. Could be costly! Jerkoffs. STENDEK
nball
October 20th, 2010
2:45 am
Now all we have to do is get this TRUTH on ESPN and NFL Network!
Alpha9
October 20th, 2010
5:40 am
Perfectly legal hit and 2 bad calls one he had posession and made a football move by tucking the ball.Then taking a step.2.it should have been called a fumble.If he doesn’t have the ball at all you think DR hits him like that…come on guys
marko
October 20th, 2010
5:44 am
the replay clearly shows no helmet to helmet contact contact.I’m glad that the players have a union. Dunta needs to appeal the fine. For the the leauge to watch that play and assume ill intent, on Robinson’s part, is nothing short of slander.
Chop Buster
October 20th, 2010
6:43 am
Hard hit and if the NFL wants to change the rules to “protect” their players they may as well just play flag football. I will no longer watch or support the NFL if they take the physical play out of football. That hit was a clean shoulder to shoulder/chest on Jackson. I was happy to see someone stepped up and stopped Jackson from running all through our secondary. Thank you Robinson. Now only if Decoud can stop looking so lost and allowing big plays this year. He’s been the culprit on almost every big play we’ve had this year. The safety afterall is the LAST line of defense.
Ron
October 20th, 2010
7:13 am
Jack Lambert once said “they should make the quarterback wear a dress”. I guess they should make receivers wear a tutu. It’s football dude. It’s not a contact sport, it’s a collision sport. If you want something pretty much injury free, try checkers. The decision was totally unfair and politically motivated.
Double Zero Eight
October 20th, 2010
7:29 am
That’s why it is called football and not futbol. If that hit was illegal, then there have been many more
during the season that were not called.
Chuck
October 20th, 2010
7:41 am
You toothless homers need to wake up. If someone had launched into your faggy, over-rated, can’t win on the road qb (that would be Matt Ryan for those of you mental midgets who have posted prior to me on this thread), you would all be on here crying and whining that the NFL needs to protect their players. Robinson should be gone for 4 games, end of story. You can tackle–even brutally tackle–without going at a player’s head. That is Rodney Harrison cheap. That is George W cheap. Oh, wait… If you don’t get that this hit was cheap, you probably voted for George W–TWICE… Idiots!
dean
October 20th, 2010
7:57 am
What’s the matter Chuck? Pissed off the Phillies are going to be watching the World Series from their couch? You’re an idiot. Being a weenie liberal proves it.
dean
October 20th, 2010
7:59 am
Anyway, back to topic. Obviously Dunta can afford the ill-conceived fine but I’ll kick in a few bucks to a charity in his name.
What are they thinking at NFL headquarters?
Sports Review
October 20th, 2010
8:00 am
[...] To Begin Suspending Players For Violent HitsCBS 4Dunta's hit on Jackson: Scary, but was it against the rules?Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)The Week Magazine -Fox Sports -SB Nation Phillyall [...]
John
October 20th, 2010
8:09 am
I have no problem with legislating what amounts to the sucker punch out of football.
What fans (and some players I suppose) find appealing about one guy executing the equivalent running a stop sign and t-boning the car with the right of way is beyond me.
I know, I know, this is football; there’s no place for the meek – not even as observers apparently. But geeze Louise. This is entertainment?
Football players should not have to worry about permanent paralysis as a consequence of their participation in the sport. But that’s where we are people. You’ve confined 22 mobile and hostile guys clad in plastic body armor to a 100 yard x 50 yard playing field. That allows plenty of space to generate serious velocity before you hit your opponent.
Is an opponent any less neutralized if he gets up after the play rather than ” got-knocked the f— out”? This ain’t boxing folks. Competitors are supposed to get up after the whistle and get ready to do it all over again until the next whistle.
The NFL is doing the right thing. Perhaps some of this week’s fines were excessive, but the point is to send a serious message that blind-side hits for the sake of intimidation are a thing of the past.
Somebody with good sense outlawed the flying wedge – which had lethal consequences for players. Football survived – and so did the players, by the way.
Hopefully, this will help to ensure that we never see another Jack Tatum/Darryl Stingley moment. I think that’s the motivation anyway. It’s a noble motive if you ask me. And I’d rather see my favorite players walk to the podium at their Hall of Fame inductions rather than limp – or receive the honor posthumously.
But then again, I watch a lot of HGTV.
Naboo the Enigma
October 20th, 2010
8:38 am
These are the Gladiators of our time. They chose to play the sport and knew what was involved before signing their names to million dollar contracts. How about we just make every team’s color pink and make them all hold hands and sing Koom-bye-ya (sic) after each quarter. Oh wait, they are already all wearing pink…
If I wanted to watch a no impact sport I’d watch hockey, wait… they are allowed to actually fist fight DURING the match and only get a 2 minute penalty then are allowed continue playing.
I don’t like seeing players get paralyzed or anything like that don’t get me wrong but if you don’t want your kids growing up to be football players then steer them towards baseball. Worked for Jason Heyward.
We are grooming a generation of sissies.
RM
October 20th, 2010
8:43 am
I’m sorry but I think the fine on Robinson is BS. I have watched the replay several times and he did not lead with his helmet. Also, he did not hit Jackson in the helmet or face. He hit him in the chest/shoulder area with his shoulder. Both guys were running full speed so, of course, it was violent. What was he supposed to do? Stop and let the guy make the catch and the first down and then try to tackle him from behind? Stupid!
RM
October 20th, 2010
8:46 am
Chcuk, you are the idiot my friend. How’s that hope and change thing working out for you Chump?
ctfalconsfan
October 20th, 2010
8:47 am
Ron you are exactly right this is not a contact sport. Baseball, basketball are contact sports Football is indeed a collision sport! Players are flying all over the field. WR’s and RB’s are ducking down their heads before getting hit or twisting that then opens them up for a possible UNITENDED helment to helment hit. This is football these things will happen!!
Yes, take head hunting out of the league but violent hits are part of the game otherwise the players should just wear flags..
Bottom line the owners need to step in and have Roger Goodell removed as Commisioner ASAP!!
ASHCAN.
October 20th, 2010
8:50 am
Bradley,your not a part of nfl operations which means your OPINION don’t mean squat diddley.(Notice i have the word opinion in caps)
ASHCAN.
October 20th, 2010
8:55 am
When you have people sitting behind a key board and argue fuss to a person you will probably never ever see in your life time is a sign of insecurity and simple minded.A blog is where you suppose to comment a opinion which means there’s a high percentage that no one is right.
Jimmy Crack
October 20th, 2010
8:56 am
WELCOME TO REFEREE BALL!!! Here’s the call…
Play by Play caller: “…Palmer passes over the middle to Ochocinco…OOOHHH! A devastating hit by safety William Moore! Wow! Oh, oh, here comes the flag, a rather late flag, and the zebras are huddling at midfield….and here’s the call…’PERSONAL FOUL, EGREGIOUS HIT ON A DEFENSELESS PLAYER, 15 YARD PENALTY, PLAYER #25 IS EJECTED’. Wait a minute, Coach Smith is challenging the call with a red flag. The refs will now go to the video to determine whether the hit merits a major penalty and the loss of their star safety…”
This will happen 2 or 3 times every game and it will waste a lot of time, but don’t worry, the NFL will keep the game shortened by draining the play clock during television time outs. I can’t wait for the offensive player “faking” to ensue (and the lawsuits).
REFEREE BALL, IT’S FANCRAPTIC!
Falconfan
October 20th, 2010
9:18 am
CLEAN HIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FURTHERMORE, I PROPOSE THAT IT WAS THE BEST EXECUTED HIT YOU CAN MAKE AND THAT IT WAS ACTUALLY A ………………….CATCH AND A FUMBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHY WAS IT NOT?????????????
JACKSON CAUGHT THE BALL, MOVED THE BALL TO HIS LEFT HAND WHILE BOTH FEET WERE TAKING STEPS AND TOUCHING THE GROUND, AND HIS HEAD TURNS TO SEE ROBINSON RIGHT BEFORE THE HIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THIS IS BOGUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ROBINSON LED WITH HIS SHOULDER INTO THE CHEST OF JACKSON?!?!?!?! WTF?!?!?!?!
JSS
October 20th, 2010
9:22 am
Jim and John…
Excellent insight, well thought out and presented… And for all of you clowns that are talking about “softening” of the game. Do you know any “real” football history? When Bednarik hit Gifford in 1960, it was a form tackle! He didn’t launch himself! Go watch the video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQb_-sTlR3Q
Mike Curtis of the Colts, Night Train Lane, Jack Tatum, Gene Atkinson, Ben Davidson… Those men were cheap shot artists…
Back in the early 1900’s, Teddy Roosevelt was about to outlaw the game of Football because it was too violent! Now, a lot of you are big talkers, I dare you to go and get in a time machine and call out TR…
JSS
October 20th, 2010
9:23 am
In the filter again
Jimmy Crack
October 20th, 2010
9:39 am
True, JSS, it is the wussification crowd rearing their fluffy pristine panties on society.
Not much fun in sucking muck, Chuck. Can’t find any like-minded hate mates since you developed a terminal case of hemorrhagic B.O.?
I would love to hear the interpretation of “defenseless player” when it pertains to a quarterback about to get slammed from his BLIND SIDE in the lower back by a pass rushing freight train. What about when a punter drops the snapped ball? A punter is about as defenseless as they come. How about a button-hook pass catch, when the receiver’s back is to the defense? Does the defender need to tap the receiver on the shoulder and say “Hey pal, don’t turn around, I’m about to jack you up!” What about big guy vs small guy? Any chance a 180lb cornerback gets flagged for hitting a “defenseless” 260lb tight end, even though the little guy gets the worst of it? What happens if the guy who delivers the hit is a repeat offender? Does he get EXTRA scrutiny? ALL SUBJECTIVE TO THE REFEREE AND HIS OWN “FEELINGS”. Gawd, I hate how PC society has crept into every little thing in our life, and now it’s getting into the NFL. Concussions have been happening since way before when they were called headaches and fog, but it’s only now that the BIG IDEA generation (of rehashed old ideas) thinks they’ve got all the answers. How about a fair catch pass in the middle of the field, you johnson-less rules guys?. Just put dresses on all of them and let Oprah and Dr. Phil coach ‘em up.
Devoted Reader
October 20th, 2010
9:40 am
You can’t have non violent rules in violante game. Change the rules, take out helmets, pads, etc. You still will have football, but less paralyzed, or injured.
Rock The Casbah
October 20th, 2010
9:53 am
The players are getting bigger, stronger and faster. It’s a full-contact violent sport. There is no way Dunta should pull back or “let up” on that play. Football is what it is, and these guys are paid the BIG bucks to play. I don’t want to see anyone get injured but pain and intimidation are a huge part of the game. He’ll think twice about coming across the middle again and that’ what defenses want. How do you stop that?
Jimmy Crack
October 20th, 2010
10:00 am
Exactly, RTC, how do they think guys like Ronny Lott got their iconic reputations? Frankly that fear got Lott and others INTO the Hall of Fame.
BYC
October 20th, 2010
10:05 am
Man…. this is why football is the toughest sport in the US. If someone offered you a starting running back job and $4 million for 4 years you’d have to take a few days to think if it was worth it. Basketball the worst thing you can do is tear an acl and your contract is guaranteed. Baseball is even easier and again, contract guaranteed. This is why no one has a problem with NFL players holding out and getting their money. This game is the closest thing we have to modern gladiators, but that is also why people love it. Hopefully the NFL can upgrade their equipment to prevent serious injuries, but still allow big hits.
Gatorhater
October 20th, 2010
10:35 am
In the days when helmets were not weapons and Ditka played tight end, you still took a chance, “going over the middle”, because you might get clotheslined or otherwise knocked senseless. Receivers also didn’t catch 100 passes a year. It was a different game. People could not run as fast, they were not as big and they didn’t have the kinds of helmets which are today used as weapons. So where are we now?
Coaches teach form tackling (from pee wee football through the NFL), which includes getting your head across, wrapping up and grabbing cloth. It also includes thrusting your hips or launching your body for maximum impact. If you can’t hit that way, get the offensive player down however you can, or stand him up and wait on help to arrive. Defensive plyers have to hit this way to bring down 240 pound running backs going full speed or taking on a 260 pound tight end in the open field.
Now the NFL has tried to minimize hits on the quarterback, players trying to get a first down but going out of bounds, tackling from behind and against “defenseless” recievers. In the arorementioned era you didn’t have receivers who weighed 170 pounds. Why? Because they would have gotten hurt and more importantly for owners, fumbled the ball. The changing of the rules minimizing the defense has made the NFL more exciting but led to this situation of the NFL’s on making. I believe if you leave the rules alone, the natural processes will change the routes and the suspensions will be minimal. Owners will not, in this era, want to see their multi-milliondollar stars hurt and offenses will ultimately change. You will always have violent hits. It is a violent game. People choose to play the game. No one is forced to play. This is a slippery slope. If changes continue, defenses will be defenseless.
Robinson would have gotten a helmet sticker for a great hit at my high school.
skydog
October 20th, 2010
10:37 am
I think it was a legal hit, but I question Duntas smarts.
Yes, Ronnie Lott hit like that regularly, but he got up.
Dunta missed the rest of that game contributing to the lose.
If Chad O lights us up next week because of Duntas absence, who won?
Keith
October 20th, 2010
11:03 am
Bradley,
I thought it was a legal hit during the game, but no one mentioned it that I recall.
Keith
October 20th, 2010
11:04 am
Also, I agree with FAlconfan that it did appear to be a fumble…
Decatur Native
October 20th, 2010
11:10 am
I said all day yesterday that Robinson hit was clean, but according to NFL rules the reciver was in a defenseless state thus making the hit illegal so I was wrong on that point. Gotta be a stand up guy when your wrong. Mabey they should put pink on QB’s and WR to identify these ladies on the field, lol!