Dunta’s hit on Jackson: Scary, but was it against the rules?

Football is a contact sport. It was a football hit. Almost nobody wants to see someone injuried but if this is the coming fad, I’ll be watching less of the product.

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Dude should not have dropped his head before the hit, that’s the problem. Helmet as a weapon violation.

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What dumbfounds me is that half the press is claiming that it was helmet-to-helmet. They never bothered looking at the replays. That was a clean football hit. Jackson was not defenseless. Robinson didn’t leave his feet to fly at him and hit him between the shoulder blades.

Yes, the result sucked, but there was nothing wrong with that play.

The second you have defensive backs thinking twice about hitting a player within the rules, is the second that offenses take over the game. The “No Fun League” is at it again.

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I agree. I hated to see both players on the ground, but its FOOTBALL. If this were just a few decades ago, there would be nothing wrong with it. There was nothing wrong with that hit on Sunday. Thats what attracts people to the game. The boneshaking hits. There was nothing wrong with it, and I would be saying the same thing if a Falcons player got hit like that.

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Oh yes

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If they both jump up it makes ESPN’s top 10. I’ve never seen a NFL special titled “Top 50 of the leagues softest hits”

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This wasn’t the hardest hit of the day. That award goes to Brandon Meriweather. His hit was so bad Bill gave him what appeared to be a very stern talking to when he got to the sideline. We haven’t seen the end of “devastating” hits this season.

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[...] Dunta's hit on Jackson: Scary, but was it against the rules?Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)The NFL's intent is noble. Its methodology will be unworkable. It is, lest we forget, the NFL. It's not the National Flag Football League. …NFL Weighs Suspending Players for Head-to-Head Blows After Jackson InjuryBloomberg [...]

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Hi Mark. Nice friend. My thoughts plain in previous post…
The NFL czars have spoken! Hard hits are out. Time to issue skirts and tampons to players? Flag football anyone? Jesse Tuggle and Tommy Nobis would be too tough for this pansy league! Sheesh. What next bozos? Personal fouls for politically incorrect overly mean tackles? Heaven forbid! Way to go Mr Robinson. Thanks for being only Falcon to take a stand! You did NOTHING wrong or illegal. Screw corrupt NFL czars. STENDEK Poor offense falls on shoulders of Matt Ryan. Regresses every game. Will soon reach Chris Miller status. So sad. No excuses.

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It is now.

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PC is killing football. What next? Dresses?

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It’s hard not to lead with your head when you’re running and changing directions. If the person you are tackling is two steps from you when you move on them, your head will get there before the rest of your body.

I think Reid’s take on the play, just like Smith’s, was exactly right. It was a bang-bang play.

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As much as I like the game, football as we know will be gone by 2035, maybe sooner, and eventually viewed as barbaric, right along with all those lifestyle habits–drinking at work, babies without car seats, pervasive smoking, children seen but not heard–that appear so outdated in the show Madmen.

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should read “football as we know it…”

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The problem is the concept of “devastating hits.” That’s entirely too subjective. Dunta Robinson didn’t hit DeSean Jackson in the helmet or the head; Robinson didn’t hit Jackson in the neck area.

If they truly are going to start suspending for “devastating hits,” there are going to be problems. What is a suspension one week might not be the next. There’s no specific definition of a “devastating hit.”

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Clean hit. Not two ways about it.

When you lead with your shoulder your head is always going to be there for you idiots who don’t know the difference, GThorsie.

If you look at the play clearly the force of the hit is in Dunta’s shoulder which makes contact with Jackson’s shoulder.

It was bang bang. Catch, step, bang. The reason it looked so bad was the momentum Jackson had going east, west and momentum Dunta had going east west. It’s not different that when trains collide.

Very rarely in the NFL do you see these hits because most of the time the tacklers are off tackle and are forced to hesitate to contain the ball carrier to make sure they don’t get juked.

However, very rarely when a QB puts the ball up like Kolb did when a guy is covered like Jackson was where it was obvious that the second Jackson caught the ball he was going to get absolutely crushed there isn’t going to be a good result.

What this video. Maryland, Cal. The QB swings the pass out, but at the same time a DB has a head full of steam already.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCO0sRPJEZ8

These types of bang bang plays are more of the QB’s fault that anything IMO. At some point a QB has to realize that hey that DB is closing in on my guy I am going to throw this one away.

At this same time though, this is football. No flags here.

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Thank you Dunta!! Thank you for not allowing that pink on all the uniforms to put you in flag football mode like the rest of the team on Sunday. You are an asset to the team and I salute your hard play! I think that you deserve an award. If you get fined, that is a crime. that troll for the Eagles will think twice before he tries to prance his happy a$$ accross the middle against us. We lost the game, but we won that battle.

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What you fools who are referring to Tommy Nobis, Jesse Tuggle or ‘two decades ago’ do not realize is; the game and most certainly the size and speed of the athletes has changed. This isn’t about Qbs wearing red jerseys or “money ruining the game” – it is money (TV and gambling) that has led to the changes in the game, specifically the passing game, to make it more “exciting” AND the introduction of hard plastic helmets, cages and eye protection, which makes football players beleive they are invulnerable. As far as that idiot Harrison is concerned, I need him to call me in 30 or 40 years, if he is still alive. I hope he invests wisely because in his quest to “hurt” others he is “injuring” himself and if he is not drooling, shaking and in need of a diaper change, maybe he can do a PSA about the objective of football (to win, not hurt others).

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I assumed this one was a 15-yarder for the “hitting a defenseless receiver” thing… the same thing Lawyer Milloy got flagged for when we were in PHI two years ago. I think they only throw that flag if you hit a guy and he lays there for too long.

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The flag on that play was purely a knee-jerk reaction. The ref threw the flag because of the severity of the hit and because the player was obviously hurt.

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@RonAtlFan “Philly is known for taking cheap shots” ? What the h*ll are you talking about ? give us
Just one example of this. Sounds like you’re just mad about the Falcons getting taken to the woodshed again !

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Just looked at the hit again. That was CLEARLY unnecessary and probably meant as a statement. I don’t care what anyone says about “that’s the NFL” or “good clean hitting.” I played full-padded football for years, and I know Robinson could have lowered his head and body and wrapped Jackson up in a more traditional tackle rather than ramming into Jackson’s chest with his helmet at full speed.

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GTMustang, not really the same type of hit. The MD DB led with his shoulder and struck Best in the gut. Best got the wind knocked out of him, not a concussion. And, because the DB’s shoulder was the first to make contact with his target, he did not suffer a concussion. The thing is, there will always be concussions. Players can catch a knee to the head, or sometimes just hit the ground hard. Or, in the case of Mike Utley, suffer a serious injury because of the way they fall. The problem is, with helmets and cages and now eye shields; players are more likely to lead with their heads.

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clean hit! the personal foul was for hitting a defenseless receiver not a helmet to helmet. also a b.s. call because the guy had cought the damn ball. clean hit!

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Reptillicide, wow, I bet Roger Goodell and the NFL can’t bear the thought of losing you or you $100. Brock, when is the time you risked paralysis, a traumatic brain injury or death on the job?

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The Now For Losers (NFL) brains (such as they are) have spoken! Wins and losses now meaningless. Only thing that matters is protecting multi millionaires from other multi millionaires. Especially QBs. Country club atmosphere. Play a few seasons. Make tons of money. Never excel. Never become violent. Never strive to intimidate. Tackle meekly. If tackle is missed no big deal. Paycheck remains same. All for one and one for all. Want it to appear realistic to few fans who still believe? Contact Vince McMahon! Maybe some staged hits will satisfy watchers. Hmm. STENDEK

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and if you’re ex everything why do you care. Please EXit from the blog. Your post in meaningless.

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It was a clean hit. The receiver had his hands on the ball and Robinson hit him in the shoulder. It was a hard hit but completely legal. If Robinson gets fined or suspended he should fight it all the way.

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Understandably X BCS & NFL jerk. High rewards high risks. I know many who risk all you stated for far less than NFL prima donnas earn. So **** off! I am for the little guy. Not fat cats! SOB. STENDEK

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Ex-BCS,

No it’s not different. The only difference in the video’s is where the DB made contact. The part that is important is where was the force of the hit from the DB. In both cases it was the shoulder. That’s the important part because there is no penalty for hitting with the shoulder unless you turn yourself into a rocket, when Dunta didn’t do because he planted his leg and hit with this shoulder.

It’s people like you who are causing this sport to become sissyfied. Yes, some hits are illegal, but there was nothing wrong with Dunta’s hit.

Like I said, if anything, it’s Kolbs fault for throwing a lob pass to a crossing route. It’ll happen every time. If a QB can’t sling a rocket to the crossing receiver, he shouldn’t make that throw.

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Oh, I forgot one thing. No rushing a punt or place kick. They are relatively uncontested. You can jump up and down at the line of scrimmage though and yell at the kickers.

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He could always in mid flight see he is about to perform a head shot and suddenly change his direction to hit the receiver much lower. LOL

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Brock, because I have friends who have been crippled and in one instance killed because of this. Let’s say the devil meets with you when you’re 15 and says; “I will give you a career in the NFL, a Super Bowl ring, and a NFL pension; but you will not see your 50 th birthday, and your wife will be a widow, and your children will not have a father.”? Would you take the deal? This isn’t about PC or I’m serious, if you “want to see” violence, enlist in the Army or attend/watch MMA events (or dog fights). And Stendek, the “product” you watch in 2010 is far closer to the WWF/Vince McMahon than the game I played in the 80’s.

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Anyone remember back in the ’70s when they were worried about protecting the ‘defenseless quarterback’ from hits by defensive players? Terry Bradshaw (who is otherwise a tool) suggested that maybe they should put skirts on quarterbacks.

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They could change the rules to all tackling must be below the waste and the tackler can only use his arms and hands when performing a tackle (use of any other part of the body would be illegal). What do you think?
Oh yea! They might also throw in that the defender is not allowed to leave his feet when performing a tackle.

Now…..that should work.

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Does the mean we’re going to see “The Called Penalty is Under Review” soon?

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Receivers should not cross the middle unless they are prepared to get rocked. This is the only defense.

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You people on here talking about how Robinson lead with his head, and that it was not a clean hit, must be blind. How many times do you have to watch the play to see that Robinson’s shoulder pad hit Jackson’s chest. Stop crying, these players know what they are getting into when they go out on the field, that is why their salaries are much larger than the average American. When two guys are running at 20mph and collide there are going to be times when it looks real bad.

If Robinsons hit was illegal, then the league needs to make it illegal for running backs to put their heads down against defenders.

There are inherent risks involved with playing football, just like there are risks when you go driving down the road. If you don’t want to get in a car wreck; then don’t drive! If you don’t want to get hit in football; then don’t play!

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How many hard legal tackles have resulted in fumbles which altered a football game. AT ANY LEVEL? Afraid of injury? Become burger flipper. Money not as good but occupation much safer. Excluding armed robberies of course. Oh well. Put that life on line for minimum wage. Sure McDonald conglomerate will appreciate it. Uh huh! STENDEK American football will soon slip into soccer. Everyone knows how exciting THAT sport is! zzzzZZZZ ^ _ ^

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People should be talking about the harrison hits today, the Robinson hit was full speed obviously both were doing everything they could there there was no intent.

The Harrison hits, were head first. Harrison lead with his head.. He used his helmet as a weapon.

That’s really poor tackling. It’s called spearing, the NFL has just not called spearing in years. When David Pollack broke his own neck, it’s because he dropped his head and speared Ruben Droughns.

The Robinson hit was scary but there was no intent to injure and he did not launch himself. That hit was a product of speed and it takes too very good NFL players off the field next week so we don’t get to see them.

The league HAS to do this. This is about safety. It’s not sissification of the league. Rules are changing because guys who bring in revenue are getting injured. There will still be plenty of hard hits.

They DO have to get rid of spearing, that means outlawing this BS type of poor tackling including the head into the midsection of players to try and cause a fumble. Head up, Explode through. That’s a freaking tackle. If you’re not strong enough to do that go lower keep your eyes on the guy and push his ankles toegther.

Learn how to freaking tackle NFL.

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Dr. Warren…you said “he could have lowered his head and made a conventional tackle”. You said you played “padded” football for years so you know all about it. I don’t know who you played “padded” football for, but if the coaches taught you to lower your head to make a tackle you are lucky you didn’t suffer a broken neck. People who have actually played know that you keep your eyes up when tackling which is very hard to do with your head down. The Robinson hit was exactly the way you are supposed to tackle in the secondary. I guess you aren’t supposed to hit Philly players too hard.

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GTMustang, I don’t watch football. As I said, I played it. It doesn’t mean I don’t have an opinion about the game.

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All the NFL is trying to do is prevent injury to both offense and defensive players, But league just came up with this suspension rule last night. NFL has to give account to games suspended and interview players to see what their thinking is because this has been going on since i can recall and it was more violent in NFL’S HISTORY. LOOK AT THE TAPES. Dunta and Desean are not big guys so this is less than say a linebacker hitting desean. The league needs to come up with a solution on tackling at the point dunta was in. if, he goes low he has to lead with shoulders and head, but, he has to be careful of injuring neck on the tackle. SEE 49ERS HISTORY. Maybe he should have played the ball and maybe their would have been a possible collision anyway.

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Hey X everything! If you do not watch football how did you find out about hit which upsets you so much? I do not watch basketball so what happens in that sport concerns me not! Maybe you should stick to opera and leave football events to others. Just saying. STENDEK Most fans on here are passionate about Falcons. Have been with em since 1966. Bless my soul. Sigh.

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Hey PreMenstralC! Stick with watching ballet! STENDEK

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A few points:

-Yes he “dipped” his head…along with his waist because you are taught to coil and explode.

-He did not launch

-He clearly tried to lead with his right shoulder

-Impact was chest shoulder pad region and slid up

-Jackson had his hands on the ball one step prior

-Players are taught to separate the ball after a hit not tackle at the waist, which would have been infinitely more dangerous in this situation because you truly dip your head.

-James Harrison should get 2 games. Meriweather 1 game. I would be mad if they fined Dunta.

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I understand why there are so many sarcastic posts on here– as this whole discussion, in light of the inherent violence of contact sport, is virtually meaningless. For the former players on this blog–you loved playing this game BECAUSE of it’s physical nature not despite it, didn’t you? Otherwise, you’d have spent your irreplaceable youth on other pursuits, right? You enjoyed the competition, not just the attention and the money, right? The new collective bargaining agreement needs to once and for all answer the healthcare problem of former players but not by diminishing the full speed ahead demeanor of pro football.
To Sociopath
On ATLs 1st series, Kroy Biermann nearly had his head twisted off by a philly lineman trying to stop a sack on Kolb. Don’t come here with that “innocent” act. I’ve watched your team and it’s HC too long to buy that steaming load….
Dunta seemed to be going for the PBU/forced fumble to me–I believe we were robbed of a possible game-altering turnover, and adding insult to injury–the 15 yard penalty. I agree with those who say this was a knee-jerk reaction by an official without any recourse for the coaches to challenge. That also has to change along with the threatened new suspensions for players…..

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I really hope that Dunta doesn’t even get a fine for this hit. The receiver wasn’t defenseless, his QB throw a poor pass and it was a legal hit. I’d be interested in hearing from the NFL referee’s after seeing the replays. Dunta ran at Jackson after Jackson already had two hands on the ball and took a step forward.

Like it or not folks that was a legal hit. Hard legal hit.

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he didn’t lead with his head. if he had lead with his head his head would’ve hit the guy. which it didn’t. his shoulder hit they guy as you see in the picture.

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yo, I’m not saying they don’t have a choice. What I am saying is, I think you macho men need to dial it down a bit. Your attraction to violence borders on homosexuality or pornography. Football is a great game. Who mentioned Terry Bradshaw? You know what he does now, when he’s not on NFL Today? He suffers from depression? He hawks anti-depressants for drug companies? Do you think his multiple concussions might have something to do with it? Have you seen the NFL films clip from the 7o’s where he is slammed on his head by a Cleveland Brown DL? Look at his arms, they way they straighten out and then look at both Jackson’s and Robinson’s arms; it’s temporary paralysis, and the difference between Bradshaw and Darryl Stingley, or Mike Utely, or Chuckie Mullins, or the kid from Rugters, is a fraction of an inch here, or a slight turn of the head there. It’s not about choice, it’s about pathetic losers who are ‘entertained’ by watching others injur themselves.

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If that play was in the endzone, it’s a touchdown for the Eagles. Jackson caught the ball with both hands, maintained clear control for two steps, and was in the process of tucking the ball into his side when he got hit and lost control. Touchdown Eagles!

Since it wasn’t in the endzone, it should have been a catch and fumble. I’m not sure which team, if either, recovered the ball because the TV camera stays focused on the two injured players. It looks like a Falcons player, Lofton(?), is trying to pick-up the ball near a couple of Eagles players as the ball moves out of the picture. If he was successful, the play should have been First Down Falcons!

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You can NOT wrap up in that situation Dr. Warren. It was a shoulder impact, not helmet impact. You know not of what you speak.

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Let’s say the devil meets with you when you’re 15 and says; “I will give you a career in the NFL, a Super Bowl ring, and a NFL pension; but you will not see your 50 th birthday, and your wife will be a widow, and your children will not have a father.”?

WTF does this have to do with anything!? HAHAHA

Oh, so now your gonna pull out the old….”i’ve lost people to this and that” and “i’ve played the game”….bs. I don’t care. We are talking about football and what is being done to PC it just like everything else. Listen jerk, if you have played it and got hurt…too bad. That was your choice. If you have people who’ve played it and got hurt or been killed. Well that sux. But I didn’t ask them to do it. It was their choice. Everything comes with a risk. What if the devil told you that you would live a long life but be a puss the entire time. Would you take it or have you already? I’ll say the latter.

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Ronnie Lott is in the Hall of Fame because of hits just like those. His were never viewed as illegal. I bet calls like that make the old time players sick at their stomach. Football is not for the faint of heart.

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@ ex-BCS & ex-NFL ,

Which team did you punt or place kick for?

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Stendek, because the clip has been posted on ajc.com, FoxSports.com and msn.com. Because when a former NFL player or former teammate dies, commits suicide or suffers a stroke at age 40, I take note. You ever watch a NHL game. Ice hockey requires far more skill and endurance than professional or college football; and the collisions can be just as intense, but it is not a “contact” sport. Hockey players can suffer concussions, but more often than not, from their heads striking the ice, or being hit (intentionally, which is illegal, or accidentally) with a stick. The hockey helmet (and visors/cages) protect the players, but they have not become “weapons” for players.

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Remember the 70’s when guys would elbow receivers in the face and tackle them around the throat? Remember when receivers legitimately FEARED going across the middle against certain teams (the Steelers and Raiders come to mind)??? That was REAL football. This crap we have nowadays is due to the feminization of the NFL (and every thing else really). Its politically-correct BS and its ruining the sport.

I say if the NFL is not interested in offering both offense and DEFENSE on Sundays that we the fans ought to strike and send them a message: We want our football back!!!!

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I think since the NFL is getting so soft it is time to find Vince McMahon again and start back up the XFL where anything and everything goes so we can once again appreciate the sport of football

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NHL is contact sport. GOOD EXAMPLE: Curt Bennett. BAD EXAMPLE: Mak-U-Illya Kovalchoke. Nuff said. STENDEK

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[...] here to see the original: Dunta’s hit on Jackson: Scary, but was it against the rules? – Atlanta Journal Constitut… Related Posts:Georgia justice has two challengers – Atlanta Journal Constitution Georgia [...]

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uga_b, I’m not going to reveal my identity on this blog, but I was a special teams guy and not much more, which means I delivered and received my share of helmet-to-helmet hits. And I am not saying I didn’t enjoy a good hit, but I was a kid. And BIG DAWG HF, I can’t speak for Ronnie Lott, but I don’t know that he has any opinion on the subject. As I said, it was a different game and the NFL and the Players Union didn’t know then what they know now. Do you remember the story about how Lott broke his pinkie in a play-off game and instead of missing the next game to have his finger surgically repaired, he had the top portion amputated? I saw an interview in which he expressed regret for this “choice”.

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It wasn’t even a shoulder to head hit the shoulder bad grazed the face mask but the full impact was robinsons shoulder in jacksons chest. Robinsons helmet also contacted jacksons shoulder but it wasn’t a direct impact. The reality is that was a text book tackle

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just another reason why I can’t stand to watch NFL football. The league has turned the game into a “please, not so hard” league. The QB’s are treated like old ladies crossing the street and now the WR’s are becoming untouchable. The defensive players have no chance of causing turnovers and keeping WR’s from wanting to cross the middle of the field. Guys like Meryl Hodge and Darryl Johnston have cried to the league and on TV to the point where the game is just watered down. Whatever happened to the LT’s and Ronnie Lott’s in the league. Now the guys have to ask permission to tackle a player. The game just plain sucks!!!

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When was the last time you saw a RB flagged for sticking his hands up the facemask of a defender in an attempt to stiffarm him. Hell, they let them grab the facemask and hold the defender off. NFL= No Fun League!

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Ex-BCS & Ex-NFL dude —

1) Telling people to enlist in the armed forces & send you a postcard from Afghanistan if they don’t agree with your viewpoint is fairly juvenile.

2) Throwing around phrases like “an obsession with homosexuality and “pornography” — neither of which even have anything slightly remotely to do with this particular topic — is definitely juvenile.

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If they don’t want receivers jacked up, eliminate the crossing routes. As long as receivers are going across the middle they will get lit up. The NFL is all about WR’s and QB’s. The hit was clean, had ZERO issues with it. Unfortunately that they were injured, but it was legal.

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Also it was Andre Waters. If you are going to mention him either positvely or negatively at least get the deceased name spelled corrected.

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uga_b, I posted a reply, but it disappeared. I am not about to reveal my identity, and I can assure you I was not a household name in college or afterwards. But, it is funny you mention special teams. This was my forte, so I experienced (both as hammer and nail) of helmet to helmet hits. You know, I couple were close to the Robinson-Jackson hit, but it doesn’t take a concussion-producing hit to leave a permanent inury. And that’s what the NFL is only now learning. This level of contact has only come about over the past 15-20 years. Sure there were big hits (Jack Tatum – Darryl Stingley, etc.), but they happened once a decade or once a season, not every week. Christopher Reeves broke his neck and eventually died because he fell off a horse – while competing. There is risk in all aspects of life, but the NFL can mitigate the risk with a few tweeks of the rules; just as its decision to tweek the rules to make the game more appealing has increased risk in some areas. What I find “entertaining” are the jock sniffs and losers who “like to watch” football and then offer baseless, weak opinons about what it takes to make in the NFL, or that they have some sort of right to be entertained by violence.

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So taking the contact out of the sport – should this overpaid weekend warriors take a pay cut?

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So let me get this straight, a Pittsburg Steeler player knocks two players out of the game by spearing them. No flags were thrown because I guess that the referees know the Steelers are known for tough, physical, defensive play. When an Atlanta Falcon makes a clean, hard hit, this is hitting a defensless receiver. Now, the NFL wants to step in a make the issue all the more confusing. Harrison should be banned from the game if his sole goal is to hurt people. I didn’t hear Robinson saying his goal is to hurt people.

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Ted Striker, Interesting observations. Then again, I think adult males who are “entertained” by the primal behaviors of other adult males to be interesting. And as one who actually played the game at the highest level, I find those who opine about what it means to be a ’sissy” or those who talk about QBs wearing skirts is about as juvenile as it gets. I place it somewhere in the elementary school to middle school range, but certainly not above sixth grade, which is when most males experience puberty and become men. I also find the idea that adult males have a “favorite team” or “dress up” like football players (save Halloween) to be juvenile. That said, it is their right, and I am sure the NFLPA and NFL ownership (merchandising and licensing) appreciate such juvenile behavior.

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Here’s a contradiction for you: The NFL doesn’t want these big hits because of possible injuries but the commissioner and owners want longer regular seasons, which will wear our players and lead to more injuries. You simply can’t have it both ways.

Personally, I think the league needs to cut back to 2 preseason games and 14 regular season games. I know that cuts across the grain for many folks; however, it’s the marketing equivalent of less is more. With fewer games, fans passions will increase, leading to more ticket sales, higher TV ratings, fewer injuries and an improved product.

If the league doesn’t pay attention to its problems, it will kill the pigskin that laid golden eggs.

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Douche bag CHRIS!!!! Legal hit!! Not dirty!!!! Living in Houston must really SUCK!!!!

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Hey Buzz better then Freaking Gay Atlanta. A town that don’t support they sports teams…lol

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Slobber Knocker

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MWC, What I mean to say is, the type of contact – helmet-to-helmet hits and spearing is not the what makes the NFL ‘contact’ unique. As I noted, hockey players don’t use sticks or helmets as weapons (within the rules of the game). Obviously, a good check can cause an injury, being a “goon” is not a skill in my book. But since you played the game, let me ask you, you still have all your teeth? As I said, I think replacing football helmets with hockey helmets would put a geater emphasis in football skills (running, tackling, man-to-man defense, blocking) , just as skating and stick handling, passing the puck, are what separates hockey teams from good hockey teams.

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Actually, PMC, I love the comment about F1, it is the best motor sport out there. But mentioning it here might not be such a great idea. Most Americans have no concept of race cars making a right turn.

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The play was hard to see, it was not necessarily illegal but unnecessary.Dunta couldn’t had ended D Jackson career, even his life. He needs to be warned, or fined but suspended? I don’t know but it was a awful animalistic hit.

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How do you make a split-second decision to back off in that situation? It is 99% reactionary. This is a violent game, thus the x-ray machines under the stadiums and ambulances waiting to tote hurt players off. PC has now invaded a great game. Unbelievable.

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Hey Buzz
Who lives in Atlanta? Where is that purse Buzz? No that wasn’t a clean hit. The league dude has spoken a illegal bad hit. As Tim wrote a unnecessary type of hit,play. Dunta is a loser dirty player. Do Atlanta support any pro sports team? I watched the Braves during they very highly amuse, failed playoff run, the joint was EMPTY.

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EX BCxNFL AKA BUZZ ….GO away loser in a sissy sports town non supporting fans everyone in other cities call ATLANTA…………

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GREAT POINTS CHRIS………GO PHILS, EAGLES, FLYERS AND SIXERS……….

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I am glad somebody finally wrote about it here. The announcers in the game were quick to villianize the play as well as everybody else. Robinson was going after a receiver who caught the ball and was turning around to gain more yards. How was Robinson to know the receiver did not have the ball, and how was the receiver defenseless there? Next time, the Eagles should not call a play like that over the middle.

Something should be done about the dangerous hits, but there was simply no penalty on that play (they threw the flag, but it was a wrong call). The league should look into more and better protection for the players. Players are faster and stronger than ever before, so the hits are going to be harder. The players should be better protected. Let’s just make sure officials don’t throw flags for something they think is a foul. If they do that, they will turn into the NBA.

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waterstim. “PC has now invaded a great game”. Do you live in Atlanta? Do you remember when the Super Bowl was here the last time (2001)? You know why it was here? It was supposed to be in Phoenix, but because Arizona was the last state to acknowledge the MLK, Jr. holiday, the NFL “punished” AZ. You follow college football? You know about the University of Mississsippi and it’s new mascot? How about the dust-up a couple years ago when a big deal was made of the State of SC flying a Confederate flag over the State Capitol, and how Jesse Jackson or some wannabe politicians threatened a “boycott” – and urged African American athletes to “boycott” schools in SC? These are examples of PC infecting sports. The idea that players, owners, schools, leagues, are concerned about concussions and injuries is not political correctness, regardless of how dim-witted, jock-sniff fans feel about it. It may be financial or economic correctness, but it is not poliical correctness.

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DESEAN JACKSON SUPERSTAR, DUNTA ROBINSON DIRTY PLAYER.

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It as much the coaches fault, and QB’s fault as D Robinson’s.
1. QB should not have lead him in zone D
2. There was a time when QB’s and coaches would not throw over the middle because they knew their receiver could get hurt. Not anymore, they don’t care about the players health.

They should fine the QB and Coach for the pass play that caused this, it’s that simple.

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no name, I don’t know if the NFL has addressed RBs, but there is serious talk about no longer allowing OL assume a three-point stance. This is why I said, if you remove the helmet, or change it from an offensive weapon to protective tool, no running back is going to lead with his head.

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Jack Tatum – me and you are kind of on same page. Offense get to do what ever they want.

If your going to make rule that prevent defense from jarring the ball lose on a receiption, you have to make rules that states a QB cannot throw a pass that leads a receiver into a defender.

Tatam and Atkison were awesome. but other team knew not to throw over the middle on them or you may get a receiver hurt, so they didn’t do it.

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I guess NASCAR will follow suit and tell their drivers they will be suspendedif they are involved in a wreck. Fans love to see car wrecks as well as big time hits.

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Hey Fish Bisch why don’t you drive on I-75 blindfolded. Just seeing it on 11alive will make my day.

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If you lead with your helmet you should be kicked out of the game and then suspended. The guy with pIttsburgh is a dirty player and should be called out as such. 46 such injuries this year already- yeah it is past time.

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NFL is getting too soft. First you protect the Quarterbacks, now I see new rules for protecting he WR’s. Seems like they are trying to make defenses obsolete. LOL

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p.s. HE DIDN’T LEAD WITH THE HELMET, he lead with the shoulder pads!!

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it was clean as a baby’s bottom

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No body wants to see any PRO PLAYER GET PARALYZE. THIS GAME CALL FOOTBALL AINT THAT SERIOUS FOR REAL. SO GOOD FOR THE COMMISH, THE LEAGUE FOR THE NEW CRACKDOWN.

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Hey Decatur Native …..Dunta Robinson is a dirty player, he should be fine,or suspended. The hit was as bad as Turner Stadium being empty during a pennant drive.

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it’s turning into the National Female League

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@ tim in Marina Del Ray formerly Atlanta
lol whatever

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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Dhanabir Singh Th., Kitty Hawke. Kitty Hawke said: Dunta's hit on Jackson: Scary, but was it against the rules?: Dunta Robinson's hit on DeSean Jackson was terrifyin… http://bit.ly/bpSEnj [...]

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Lee!! Tatum did not die from a head injury!!……..If you need football information come to THIS LADY FOR IT. Stop blaming Tatum for what is happening in football. PLAYING FOOTBALL!…….PS….He died from a heart attack!!! Thank You!!

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Just play football any one can see horse collar take down can serious injure. If the superstar Recievers, Quarterbacks get hurt then the product will suffer. DeSean Jackson is a superstar folks a highlight reel waiting. Why get these athletes hurt just to make our day? You can have a good exciting game minus injuring a player. If Roddy White got hit by Dunta Robinson last year the way he hit Desean how many ON THIS BLOG WILL BE SAYING BAD HIT, DUDE IS DIRTY,ILLEGAL PLAY.

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DO DAH……look at every hit in football!! AND GET BACK WITH ME!! lol

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I can’t believe I am listening to all you men as woosies! Did I spell that correct? LOL

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Jan go back to watching the View or the new awful show on CBS46 TALK LIVE.

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LEE…..how many years ago that was? Was you even born then?????????

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Aaron your points dude was right on? So true if Roddy White got hit like DeSean everyone from these awful columnists will be saying KICK HIM OUT OF FOOTBALL.

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DO DAH….You can’t read. I did not say it was. It was a clean hit.

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Hey Jan go back to baking cookies, wait for your wife to come home from work. The hit was a illegal hit a bad hit.

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I was say that Harrison was more toward dirty you can see how he closed in and didn’t even try to wrap him up and on top of that he did it twice in one game, the only problem I can see that if the do enforce this to the fullest then tackling will become weak and please pay attention to the rise of plays of more than 20 yards

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be4life….you are talking about football, right? Not trying to hurt anyone? I guess Ray Lewis might as well make himself a “pot” for the fines he will be getting then……lol

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Hey Glenn cheap shot on Jan…..But the play was dirty, he needs to be SUSPENDED.

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The issue is size and speed. Never before has so many big and fast men been on the field at the same time and because of this more hits / injuries will take place. Use to be the fast guys played offense and the slow big guys played on the line … Now the big and fast guys are DB and LB. No really way to fix this problem without hurting the game itself. The NFL is a product of its own marketing!

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fines are not enough- dirty hits with the helmet require suspensions

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Like I said, Robinson was lined up for a very clean, hard hit before Jackson changed the level of his pads. When that happened, on a football move, it created an even more violent impact. Clean all the way around. Or do you really want to punish Robinson for a clean, legal play that had a bad result?

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To JFMCNAMARA as someone on here wrote earlier GO PLAY IN TRAFFIC BLINDFOLD AND WITHOUT A VEHICLE.

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DO DAH……ONE MORE TIME! Look at the hits the next time you watch football and tell me when a player does not lower his head! Its seems people only complain when the hits hurts someone. Welcome to FOOTBALL! I’m glad I not sitting beside someone as you in the stadiums. Nothing personal…..lol

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Jan I am talking about hitting with the helmet- and specifically lowering one’s head to hit the other player with the helmet first, many times helmet to helmet. The 2 Harrison hits in the Pittsburgh game are great examples. You want to call those 2 clean hits too?

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DeCatur Native man the play was illegal. He is known in the league as a dirty player. If that same play was done to a Falcon receiver how many on here will be saying clean hit?

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Jan, I sure am talking about football and I’m fully aware it’s an agressive, hard hitting sport. But I never want to see a player hurt for my viewing pleasure. Ray Lewis, James Harrison, et al should get ready for the fines/suspensions if that’s how they choose to play. Like Rodney Harrison said Sunday, he set aside $50K each season; the only thing that hit home was suspension. That’s not taking anything away from playing hard, it just means they need to play smarter.

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Do-dah.X2 YOU CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN rOBINSON’S HIT AND hARRISON’S HIT (my bad hit caps) Robinson lead with the shoulder not the helmet unlike Harrison

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Of course- but then I am 71 and we wore different helmets and were not nearly as fast nor athletic. And certainly not so big.

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Aaron using that line is as weak as the tackling were about to see in football

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example…my purpose of the position of a LINEBACKER….hits them! stop them!…AND make them think TWICE about coming back your way!!!…..Sorry if this hurt most of your morals!!!

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The same with defensive backs….get in the LEGAL hit when you can and make them think TWICE about coming down that middle again!!

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Jan your on tuff cookie, tell these men to “pull their skirts down” lol

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Most decisions in life are shades of gray.

Not this one.

On one side, you believe that the NFL is self-destructing with reckless violent play and that players are taking injuries that will disable them mentally long after they’re done playing. On the other side, you believe that violent hits are part of the game and that nothing should be done.

If you agree that the game is just too violent, then something has to change. Equipment alone isn’t enough to protect the players. You have to eliminate the big hits to the head. You have to *gasp* teach players the fundamental wrap tackle, a thing so rare these days as to have been forgotten.

Sometimes the officials will get it wrong. Sometimes a Dunta Robinson will be unfairly penalized.

That’s OK. If the net result is that Robinson goes lower next time, and maybe focuses more on a wrap tackle than an explosion that sends both men out of the game, possibly for weeks, then good will have been achieved.

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Lee that was super wack for real I bet you think your clever for that

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@ wxwax

agreed 100%

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wxwax……what earth are you from??? lol

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Lee I am talking FOOTBALL. You are talking church. Obviously!

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This issue is a real sticky problem that may not be easy to fix at all. But here’s some thoughts.

Often the difference in what happens on a hard hit is preparedness. And the advantage goes to the defender because he knows exactly when impact will take place, because he is the one in pursuit. The player with the ball never can be sure exactly when and from where he’ll get hit because he can’t account for multiple players coming from multiple directions, so he’ll very rarely be braced for impact or know how to move to avoid injury.Therefore, the player on defense has better control how the impact is going to play out. The problem is that some legal hits can be just as dangerous as illegal ones. That’s where the gray area lies, as we saw in the Robinson hit on Sunday.

Suppose a runner is coming at you with the ball and bends low to ram you, you have no choice but to engage him near his head and shoulders. That happens all the time. So I don’t see this part of football being very black and white enforceable.

HOWEVER, there is another area which is black and white, is absolutely enforceable, and can and should be avoided. And that is tackling by grabbing ANY part of the helmet. Yes, yes, it’s already a penalty, but they need to go further. It should result in a penalty AND the player being disqualified from the game, sent to the locker room and to shower and get dressed, and be fined a Sundays pay. Out of the game and loss of pay for that game. Why so severe? Because — the potential damage is of a broken neck or loss of life. And that infraction CAN always be avoided simply by the choice of the defender not to grab the helmet.

And why should the NFL crack down heavily? They are seeing real potential for some horrendous injuries to happen and they don’t want to be culpable. Here’s a real world example — It’s like the new four lane highway near where I live that had no stop lights at dangerous intersections for years. But they have lights in those places now. What made city/county officials finally decide to do the safe thing and install lights? MULTIPLE people died or were severely injured at those intersections that we all knew were potential death traps. And it all could have been avoided.

That’s what the NFL if trying to do. Avoid avoidable catastrophe. And good for them. Remember, the attacking defender has the choice as to how he’s going to make the tackle. You want to grab the helmet? Then adios for the day, go get your shower, get dressed, and leave your day’s pay on the table. And better luck next week.

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Hey Kenya i know you love Desean Jackson he young, fine you say. But lets hope both players are doing well.

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it wasn’t dirty. it wasn’t a helmet to helmet hit. if he hits, and yes, he’s supposed to hit him, any lower, the guy’s having some kind of surgery right now on a hip, spline or knee or something. it was an ugly hit, but he’s not supposed to arm tackle him, is he? and a play thats going that fast, i thought he did a great job of not hitting head to head…

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Jan you certainly are entitled to your opinion about what NFL football should be like. I am most pleased, however, that it appears that the NFL is finally going to make some changes to what is acceptable regarding helmet hits.

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DO DAH….ONE MORE TIME AGAIN….lol….almost every hit involves a helmet!! As a earlier post mentioned, what happens when a rb comes down the middle getting ready to hit a db and and the rb lowers his head to take or give the hit? penalty/fine for the rb?

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@ SilentCC

“The problem is that some legal hits can be just as dangerous as illegal ones. That’s where the gray area lies, as we saw in the Robinson hit on Sunday”

thats the point I’m making, it’s a contact sport

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Robinson did what coaches tell him to do, tackle the ball which you can clearly see he was trying to do

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The Falcon played liked they were wearing pink. The question that I want to know the answer to is why the NFL does not do for player whose careers are ended prematurely or who suffer from chronic conditions after the end of their professional careers. I guess football is about to go the way of American boxing.

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Try Australian Rules football maybe?

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Sorry to be late to the party but I looked at this video multiple times and there is nothing there. It was right shoulder pad to left shoulder pad. Their heads are nearby but that’s anatomy. Their heads came forward but that is just deceleration effect. Robinson did not lauch himself. He actually seemed to slow up slightly and brace himself. The receiver was relatively exposed but he made no effort to curl up before the hit and he had time. This was unavoidable no matter how you write the rules.

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Ackshun The players today already have to stop and think throughout the game- can I get there before he goes out of bounds- can I get there before the QB delivers the ball, blocking downfield, throwing outside the tackle box,timing the hit, turning to find the ball, etc, etc, etc. They are very seldom in a mode where they do not think but just react.The NFL will adjust just fine to the new rules I think.

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wxwax hear, hear.

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wxwax….you mean back to traditional hitting like the hits Butkus was making ….BACK THEN???? lol

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DO-dah *2 good point you made but but only if this adjustment doesn’t take away from the game itself, but good point nonetheless, now like a fellow blogger said the other day “I’m bout to pull a Bobby Cox

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Robinson got fined, not suspended.

I thought of all the hits that were being talked about, Robinson’s was the cleanest. It seemed worse because DeSean Jackson is so small.

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D.Robinson was just fine $50000 by the NFL

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The guy should get a penalty for having a name like DUNTA. Is that a real name? Is it on the list of stupid names black parents name their kids??

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The QB shoudl have taken the sack; by not doing so he put his receiver in danger. This is exactly why Reid is starting Vick. This guy Kolb will get someone killed…

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Atl cracker you are correct, the irony here is the hit is actually more forceful if the feet are on the ground. When one is in the air the force can be distributed by movement as bodies recoil when the feet are on the ground and braced more of the energy is absorbed by the body. The “launching” rule sounds good but really serves no purpose

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Fox analyst Mike Pereira, the NFL’s vice president of officiating from 2004-’09, believes that Robinson was put in a tough spot.

“Robinson didn’t launch, but he did lower his head and made contact on what appeared to be on the [right] shoulder,” Pereira wrote on the website FoxSports.com. “Jackson is considered defenseless as the pass was incomplete and as a defender, Robinson is not allowed to lower his head and contact Jackson anywhere on his body.”

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Dan, Bednarik’s hit on Gifford was a clothesline tackle to the head and neck.

A dirty play, in my book. A coward’s play, because Bednarik didn’t put himself at risk.

Dunta Robinson’s hit on Jackson was a hundred times more violent.

Don’t let “good old days” myths become your reality.

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This is going to lead to unequal officiating, aside from personal opinion here are the facts
Duntas hit was not helmet to helmet, both his feet and the receivers were on the ground as the hit was intitiated. the reciever was not defensless he had taken two steps after catching the ball (Todd from dacula that was a perfect pass btw). So what are they going to tell him don’t hit so hard next time? To call that illegal to a level of fining means the whole game has to change, and if thats what they want fine, but say it don’t make like he did something wrong

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Wxwax 100 times more violent huh (and actually it was across the collar bone and there shoulders collided) and you say I have the reality problem.

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If the intent is to prevent concussions and neck injuries that could lead to paralysis (or death), then flag football is the answer. There is absolutely no way to completely prevent those types of injuries in tackle football.

The rise in those types of collisions that cause the violence of contact that we are seeing is an unprecedented increase in the size, strength and speed of the players. You can try to eliminate helmet to helmet collisions, and I think suspensions are the answer to that (suspensions that are equal in time to the amount of time lost by the injured player), but beyond that any effort to prevent concussions and neck injuries will ruin the game as we know it today.

Perhaps one answer is to have OC’s only send the bigger, heavier players (tight ends, fullbacks or eligible tackles) over the middle on crossing patterns or on screen passes. Maybe the DB’s and LB’s would think twice about leading with their helmets against those players. The real source of the problem is the horizontal passing game if you think about it. Of course these types of hits occur elsewhere, such as punt returns and interception returns. In those cases you could only penalize tacklers who lead with their helmets.

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The NFL should ask Jackson what he thinks of the hit. If he remembers it. Anyone who has ever played, or even watched football, knows that if go over the middle there’s a chance you’ll get nailed! It was Kolbs fault for hanging him out to dry. Maybe they should flag the QB for the bad pass. This is a joke! Harrisons hits were much more malicious! He led with his head each time. There was no other contact other than that on his hits. Yet all we hear about is Dunta’s “illegal” hit.

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Fox analyst Mike Pereira, the NFL’s vice president of officiating from 2004-’09, believes that Robinson was put in a tough spot.

“Robinson didn’t launch, but he did lower his head and made contact on what appeared to be on the [right] shoulder,” Pereira wrote on the website FoxSports.com. “Jackson is considered defenseless as the pass was incomplete and as a defender, Robinson is not allowed to lower his head and contact Jackson anywhere on his body.”

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Hey Mike Jay, It’s quitting time, so I’m going to help you out with your use of language and your understanding of life in the NFL as I knew it. 1 naive – adj. simple and credulous, as a child. Lacking critical ability or analytical insight. You might want to check your posts before you publish. 2 – I never said I did not enjoy contact/collisions, but see above. Unlike you and others I have the ability to analyze and think critically, and if I knew then, what I know now, I might have “retired” before the NFL retired me. 3 – being an ex-player doesn’t make me special, or place me on a soap box, but I find it sad that people who never played the game (took risks) can sit around and comment on the the nature of those who have and refer to them as “sissies” or “weak”. 4 – I have never met Tommy Knobis or his kids, but I have had the pleasure of meeting and dining with Tommy Nobis on more than one occassion. I am aware of his physical condition. Unlike you, I didn’t ask him if he regrets anything in life. 5 – I am not embarassed to admit I was a marginal player at the NFL level. There were only 45 roster spots when I played, and no practice squad. I take no shame in being somewhere between 45-50 when I was released. ad regrets and he said “Hell no”. Though he was more than just a ST scrub so his viewpoint. 6 – Exactly what comments about MMA did I make? I simply said, go watch it if you want to see a blood sport. I don’t even have a problem with blood sports. I just think the NFL needs to decide what is most important. 7 – Exactly who are “most experts”? Experts rarely “agree”. And being “safer than boxing” isn’t exactly saying much. And for the record, most neurosurgeons agree, ALL brain damage is permanent (look up the word cumulative). 8 – I explained my comment to the lone hockey player who responded. The “contact” in hockey rarely involves spearing or helmet to helmet blows. The equipment used in hockey protects players, as opposed to a football helmet and shoulder pads, which allow football players to “hit” their opponents with more force.

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So many tough guys here… tough, when it’s somebody else’s body and life on the line.

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It was a clean hit. No helmet to helmet. Now we put more control of the game to shirts…oh goody!

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YOU SAID in an earlier post I need to see some youtube on Dick Butkus hits and they were legal. Its seems you only watched a couple of them. Dick always picked people up and slung them to the ground, going to the head, etc.! Hell, I can show you some “petty, good hits” by Jack Tatum if I wanted to prove to you he was a good guy!…..lol

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My first thoughts when I saw the hit by Dunta Robinson were along the lines of “Boy, the defense really needed a big play like that to fire them up; they’ve been caught flat-footed up to now.” And then I watched with growing concern as both players still lay on the ground, Jackson seemingly twitching. That’s when I started praying for both of them that they weren’t seriously hurt.

We all love hard-hitting, fast, professional football, but seeing what I did there enables me to look at things from both sides of this debate. Life and a person’s health and well-being transcend (EASILY) a game, even one where so much money, effort, and emotion is expended. I’m all for the NFL trying their best to prevent serious injuries and working with the players to educate them so hopefully these things won’t happen.

That said, this is a full-contact, at times brutal sport, and one of the most dangerous plays in football is the pass to the middle of the field. A receiver knows the risks that reaching up and focusing on catching that ball entails…and the defenders know that if said receiver is able to catch the ball, that they’re looking at a potentially explosive play by their opponents. So the defenders do their best to try to disrupt the play or tackle the receiver before he gains a single step beyond the catch. All of this is understood; what Dunta Robinson did on that play is what every secondary player in this league is EXPECTED to do or they’re out of a job…he went in to break up the play. Unfortunately the impact knocked both him and Jackson out for the next few games at least, and the NFL (partially because of all the OTHER big hits that Sunday) felt they had to act for the sake of acting.

I honestly don’t know how you can reconcile the very nature of the NFL with the safety of receivers on these plays; I wish somebody could. Because the game suffers greatly either way things go here.

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ex-BCS & ex-NFL guy, WTF? Tone down the homophobia, man! Someone might see your closet door ajar! Wouldn’t want the horse to get out of the barn right hear on the blog, would ya?

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Sure glad NFL brass got that tough decision behind them. Now they can get back to Farves cell phone pics.

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Here is a problem that the NFL and fans are going to have to address -Science and medicine is exposing the incredible injuries and long term effects that football has on people. There are credible studies that prove that professional football players as a group have a shorter life expectancy. Science and medicine have demonstrated the negative effects on the spine and the brain that come from the hard hitting going on. And for those who talk about the “good old days” when guys really hit – the guys today are alot bigger, faster, and stronger. Back in the day, a 300 lb lineman was a physical freak. And linebackers were checking in at about 205 lbs. When you get the kind of mass in motion that you have today, it is a totally different game.
If we intend to keep professional football as a sport, there has got to be changes in the way it is played. There are a number of sports medicine types who have already come out in favor of doing away with the three point stance because of the impact on the spine and brain. And yes, I am a huge football fan and have loved the game for 50+ years but something is got to change. These hits are just not worth the results.

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NFL just needs to go to flag. It has turned into a PANSY game now. To many rules

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I expect better of you , Mr. Bradley. Reasonable people would agree that changes are in order.

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Violent but clean hit, plain and simple!

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mars, I hope you’re still with us.

1 – I am not homophobic, but I find it interesting that adult me are so enamored by the physical acts of other adult men, and so disappointed when anyone suggests that maybe the violence in the NFL needs to be checked. 2 – Here’s where I am coming from. How I played the game, or what the game was like in the 80’s is not the point. Players, coaches, fans and owners had barely one generation of NFL players to study in terms of the short-term and long-term effects of blows to the head. 3 – I have identified myself as a former college and pro player because I suspect the majority of bloggers who throw around words like “sissy” and “weak” or BEMOAN how the NFL is becoming femninine never played the game at eithe BCS or NFL level. I don’t begrdudge the players for playing hard, but I do find Harrison’s comments to be pathetic; just as I find those who would compare football to “war” to be juvenile. 4 – Again, re-read my posts. There are plenty if fans who I respect and who understand my position. I take “digs” at fans who sit on their couches and watch younge men cripple themselves, and then whine like babies when anyone suggests that maybe the NFL needs to take a closer look at the situation. 5 – I won no genetic lottery, I assure you. In fact, I am a proponent of the use of steroids and all PEDs in any professional sport. 6 – I certainly recognize the difference between fans who enjoy the game and pay money to see athletes compete. I attend Braves games and Thrashers games and I still visit my alma mater a couple times a year, but I don’t demand anything of any athlete, but to play hard. And if you don’t see how this is different, I cannot help you. I was out of the league by 1986. I can assure you, what little “cash” I earned is long gone. 7 – I don’t know what to say about your final comment. I was not the one who introduced the word “politica”. At least a half-dozen others referred to the NFL as being PC, or football suffering because of political correctness, and I simply felt the need to point out that politics does at times spill over to sports, but this is not one of those times, and in order to illustrate this, I cited a couple of instances. As far as your follow-up regarding “risks” – again, I don’t know what to tell you. I thought I made it clear (Christopher Reeves) that all athletes take risks. I took risks. What I don’t get it how some loser (and not all fans are losers) can sit on his a** like some Roman emporer and demand to be entertained in this manner. And I further find it pathetic that fools such as these would even dare voice an opinion about player safety. Listen, if some guy wants to question a call on 3rd down, or even if he thinks a player isn’t hustling, or whatever, then say; “I’ll take my money elsewhere” but to see what we saw this weekend at Rutgers, and the next day in the NFL and to just dismiss it as “football” is, as I said, pathetic on many different levels.

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Jamie He got fined $50k for that clean hit.

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The hits by Meriwether and Harrison(2) were worse than that of Robinson in my opinion, Harrison is just a dirty player and needs to be suspended to get his attention. I suspect it will happen for him before very long.

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He was not defenseless. He saw Dunta coming. It was just a hard football hit that didn’t even warrant a flag.

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WHAT BULLSH*T,GREAT HIT, GREAT PLAY. ROCK ON DUNTA.

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Defense wins Super Bowls, Offense puts butts in seats. NFL is appeasing “non football” oriented groups by playing up concerns(very recent turn of events) about head injuries and using this to increase Offense…No one likes defensive games, but for Baltimore and Pittsburgh…

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Rules unlike laws are subjective to whims of those who have power to enforce them… Ray Anderson has that power, wasting them complaining about the ruling is just that, a waste… Lesson learned… $50G training course…

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Ahhhh the pussification of America.

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so is that considered pretax money or is taken out after taxes…if it’s after taxes then that is the real crime here!

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Now all we have to do is get this TRUTH on ESPN and NFL Network!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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?

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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.

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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!

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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!!

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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.

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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?!?!?!?!

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In the filter again

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Bradley,

I thought it was a legal hit during the game, but no one mentioned it that I recall.

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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!

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It’s a good thing Jack Tatum or Doug Plank aren’t playing these days. They would get fined $50,000.00 per week.

Word.

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Something has to give.
Bigger & faster hits, but the same strength bones & brains.
If we keep on this same course, we all will be watching the 2nd and 3rd stringers at the end of the year.
Hey, I`m just as Roman as the next guy but something has to give.
There has been a safer uniform designed and test for years, but no one has acted.
Outside padded helment attached to the shoulder pads. Make knee braces mandentory. If everyone is a fuzz slower then no one is slower.

Or like another poster said, Take the face mask off.

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Yet his fine suggests the NFL is only serious about sanctioning players who cause injury, not ones who do so with vicious, reckless intent. If Jackson had popped up right after that hit, would Robinson still owe 50K today? I doubt it.
Decisions to fine and suspend can’t be made because of a hit’s end result. Goodell will insist that they’re not doing that, but the Robinson fine proves otherwise. This is a slippery slope for the league to pursue.

from yahoo sports

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I’m sorry once he lowered his head he was wrong as far as I’m concerned. He got himself and Jackson a concussion all because he decided to lower head to make the tackle and that preparing to use the head as weapon. I maybe in the minority. But, it should have been penality and I agree with the fine. I’m sorry but, I’ve been following football for over 40 years and that not techique I’d teach my kids and you can make a good clean tackle using the proper techique. That may look good to the fans. But, that is one dangerous move and fact you got two concussions out more than drives that home.

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AN APPEAL IS COMIN FROM DUNTA
THE HIT WAS HARD BUT LEGAL

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What were some of you watching? Jackson did NOT drop his head and yes Dunta led with his helmet. the impact was at the top of the pads on the jaw. Look at Jacksons head turn hard to his right. Illegal hit…probably not. Unnecessary…of course. He could have hit him waist high and been just as effective. fine him…of course. The only reason that he is not suspended is that he was hurt also. RonATLfan takes a shot at philly…easy to do…but if the shoe was on the other foot, I wonder who would be hollering FOUL!!!!

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[...] Hits IssueComcast SportsNet PhiladelphiaNFL To Begin Suspending Players For Violent HitsCBS 4Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) -The Week Magazineall 1,279 news [...]

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JIM BEAR GO 2 THE NFL NETWORK THEY HAVE A VIDEO OF THAT HIT BY DUNTA
WATCH THAT AND C IF THAT HIT WAS LEGAL OR ILLEGAL

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Damn good football hit DR………….!!!

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We are becoming a bunch of pussies in this country women and pie asses run everything, hell you can’t even stand up for yourself anymore, if someone comes up and insults you or puts there hands on your wife, you better not knock the guy on his ass, if you do man your in serious trouble.
Football is tremendously successful and they should leave it alone period!

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