Sunday, September 07, 2008

Hoooo boy....



This season went on the rocks before it barely got started.

Most commentators say this wasn't a dirty hit by Bernard Pollard. I disagree. There's no real excuse for a defender, already down himself, to dive at a QB's legs.

No defensive player who has an unrestricted path to the quarterback may hit him flagrantly in the area of the knee(s) or below when approaching in any direction.

2 comments:

cowboyangel said...

Yeah, this was disappointing. Even to a Jets fan. I like Brady. And how can the Jets ever claim to overcome you guys if Brady's not in there?

But I have to respectfully disagree that it was a dirty play.

As the NFL said, in regards to the rule you quote: "But the Pollard hit was deemed legal because 'the defensive player was coming off and affected by a block by the offense', according to a league spokesman."

I've seen a lot of dirty hits over the years, and I honestly don't think that was the case on this occasion.

Jeff said...

Hi William,

Yeah, I was very much looking forward to the Brady-Favre shootout too.

Well, "dirty" is the wrong word, I guess. I still think it was an illegal hit. I think he got out sufficiently from under the block in time and had a clear dive, but I don't think he was thinking about it. I think he was just playing hard.

That's football for you. Brady has actually been quite charmed and fortunate injury-wise until now.