One of the major off-season developments in the NFL was the prohibition of the hip-drop tackle, a maneuver known for causing significant injuries to players. However, officials are finding it challenging to recognize this specific tackle during live games.
There have been instances where potential hip-drop tackles went unpenalized. Notably, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen believed he was subjected to one during Week 1 and expressed his frustration with the officials, yet no penalty was called. Similarly, Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase reacted angrily to a tackle during a game, resulting in a 15-yard penalty against him, possibly due to an uncalled hip-drop tackle. Chase refrained from commenting after the Bengals’ defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs.
On Sunday night, during a 19-13 win over the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon suffered an injury that appeared to align with the kind of play the NFL designated for penalties this season. Mixon was brought down by Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards, who pinned Mixon’s foot beneath him, resembling a classic hip-drop tackle. Despite the apparent infraction, there was no flag thrown, and Mixon limped off the field before later returning to the game, fortunately without serious injury.
Mixon took to social media shortly after to voice his displeasure regarding the incident, highlighting a disagreement with the referee about the tackle’s legality. “Time to put your money where your mouth is,” he tweeted, expressing his dissatisfaction with the lack of recognition for the hip-drop tackle.
NBC commentators during the Sunday night game also noted the tackle’s characteristics, suggesting it fell within the parameters of the outlawed move. NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth pointed out the tackle’s specifics, while play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico discussed the key indicators that classify a hip-drop tackle, stressing the difficulty officials face in calling such plays during fast-paced action.
Though recognizing hip-drop tackles is complex, the NFL introduced this rule for valid reasons, and it is essential for officials to identify these tackles as they occur. While this may not have directly assisted Mixon in avoiding injury, it could potentially deter future occurrences of similar tackles, which aligns with the league’s intentions.