The recent announcement that the NFL will be taking a closer look into “hip-drop” tackles did not go over well with many of the league’s defensive players.
Retired cornerback Richard Sherman, who was a member of the Seattle Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom,” voiced his displeasure about the possibility the league may ban that type of tackle.
League Chief Medical Officer Allen Sills revealed the NFL will have “very active offseason conversation” about that style of tackle.
Sills’ announcement is in line with a January report from The Washington Post that the NFL’s competition committee will review the “mechanics” of the tackle that injured Pollard.
“Hip-drop” tackles historically have been associated with ankle and leg injuries due to the manner in which defenders drop their body weight to the turf while attempting to tackle ball carriers from behind.
Sherman was named to five Pro Bowls during his 11-year career. He spent this season as a television analyst for “Thursday Night Football.” He pushed back against the idea of a potential ban on the tackle, calling it “overkill.”
“A desperation wrap up trying to prevent a ball carrier from gaining extra yards,” Sherman wrote on Twitter. “There isn’t one player saying “hey I’m about to drop my weight on his ankle when I tackle him.” Defense is Hard enough with the rules about roughing the QB and interference. This would be overkill.”
The NFL has previously altered its rules to ban horse-collar tackles and low hits on quarterbacks due to the risk of injury.
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