But when A-Dub does it, it is 15yds & a fine.....

[RugbyMuffin]

I like the hit, I just don't like that Lewis is allowed to do this, and Wilson is not.

 

[Pariah]

Players are getting a lot better about leading with their shoulders then they were even just a couple of years ago.

If Wilson hit someone so obviously with his shoulder just like that, he wouldn't get flagged, either. I think you're right in that some of his hits that are technically legal get flagged, but they come too close to the head or leading with his helmet and the league is erring on the side of caution...and I think it's working. I saw a lot of big hits on Sunday that were so obviously led with the shoulder that I have to think teams are working on that. A lot of those hits would have been more "traditional" straight-up shots that look like helmet-leading hits a couple of years ago, I think.

JMHO

 

[Big D]

The other key is that Ray Ray hit Keller below the shoulders. You can't go high on guys anymore. Perfect, clean and beautiful hit.

 

[CaptTurbo]

Guys what 34/35 years old? Amazing.

 

[82CardsGrad]

Guys what 34/35 years old? Amazing.

Been playing MLB for 15 years! Not safety or cornerback, or even OLB... MLB is where it all happens on virtually every play! It's like playing SS in baseball, where you are constantly dealing with guys crashing into you... Yet, somehow, some way, he is still playing at the highest level. It really is amazing. Almost freakish.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

No way that was a finable hit. He clearly led with his shoulder.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Been playing MLB for 15 years! Not safety or cornerback, or even OLB... MLB is where it all happens on virtually every play! It's like playing SS in baseball, where you are constantly dealing with guys crashing into you... Yet, somehow, some way, he is still playing at the highest level. It really is amazing. Almost freakish.

Agreed. Arguably the best MLB of all time.

 

[football karma]

the key wasn't so much leading with his shoulder, but hitting him in the numbers

where AW has gotten into trouble is when he goes below the head, but still high on the shoulders. Its almost impossible to avoid helmet to helmet contact in a hit like that.

Put the shoulder pads squarely on the numbers and I think you lower the odds of a penalty.

 

[desertdawg]

The other key is that Ray Ray hit Keller below the shoulders. You can't go high on guys anymore. Perfect, clean and beautiful hit.

That hit was so nice, it lingered and won the game. Duh, first down marker, duh, look at the pretty colors.

 

[Divide Et Impera]

On Ray Lewis, I cannot see that he has lost a step, lost ferocity, nor lost his energy. The dude is 15 years in and he's still at the highest level. It seems as though he could play until 40!!!

 

[Doug]

That hit was so nice, it lingered and won the game. Duh, first down marker, duh, look at the pretty colors.

Just TOO DAMN FUNNY....THANKS!!! I needed that.I was watching the game and thinking the exact same thing.You gotta LOVE it!!!

 

[Austin Zonie]

With the defenseless receive rule, is there any stipulation on where the receiver is hit (above the shoulders)? If not, this is a hit on a defenseless receiver. I think it is a horrible rule for good, clean, football hits like this one.

 

[daves]

With the defenseless receive rule, is there any stipulation on where the receiver is hit (above the shoulders)? If not, this is a hit on a defenseless receiver.

Yes, there is such a stipulation, and besides, the receiver in this case did not qualify as "defenseless":

Ask Jerry Markbreit:

All players in virtually defenseless postures are protected from unnecessary hits by the defense, which include helmet-to-helmet contact, helmet-to-body contact, and blows to the head. Intended receivers of forward passes who fail to catch the pass are considered to be in a defenseless position immediately after the pass is missed. If the pass is caught, all of these restrictions are off, unless in the opinion of the covering official, something unsportsmanlike occurs

Before last season, the rule was changed to be more protective to the defenseless receiver:

The league says “it is now an illegal hit on a defenseless receiver if the initial force of the contact by the defender’s helmet, forearm or shoulder is to the head or neck area.”

Before the change, only helmet-to-helmet hits in those situations were outlawed.

Ray Lewis' hit was still completely in the clear.

...dave

 

[BirdMan21]

Ray-Ray is just an amazing player, he just flat out brings it every week. I love watching him play because he just wants to play football and do everything he can to win. That game he played with a broken wrist and still had 15 tackles is just ridiculous, guy is a football player and a beast through and through.

 

[TJ]

To defend Rugby, Wilson does have a target on his back based on previous plays. For example, the hit against Heap in 2007, the hit against Edwards in 2008, and the hit against Vernon Davis in the first game in 2009.

Referees and the NFL front office knows this and have warned him. Fortunately, A-Dubb said he doesnt plan on changing his style. Other players would wilt and play hesitant but he is mentally tough and focused.

 

[Catfish]

Players are getting a lot better about leading with their shoulders then they were even just a couple of years ago.

If Wilson hit someone so obviously with his shoulder just like that, he wouldn't get flagged, either. I think you're right in that some of his hits that are technically legal get flagged, but they come too close to the head or leading with his helmet and the league is erring on the side of caution...and I think it's working. I saw a lot of big hits on Sunday that were so obviously led with the shoulder that I have to think teams are working on that. A lot of those hits would have been more "traditional" straight-up shots that look like helmet-leading hits a couple of years ago, I think.

JMHO

Good explanation Pariah: You have a good eye for detail. AW is getting much better at keeping his head and the opponent's head out of the equasion. By the way, Ray Lewis' hit was textbook perfect. Shoulder driven into the receiver's padded area, (not the head), then driving to positively DE-CLEAT the receiver, and separate him from the ball.