One of the major stories of the NFL offseason was the league’s decision to ban the hip-drop tackle, a maneuver linked to several serious injuries. However, officials may struggle to recognize this type of tackle during the fast-paced nature of games.
In Week 1, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen believed he was subjected to a hip-drop tackle and voiced his concerns to the officials, but no penalty was called. Similarly, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase expressed dissatisfaction with a tackle that led to a 15-yard penalty, possibly due to a missed hip-drop call. He did not elaborate after the Bengals’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
On Sunday night, during a game where the Houston Texans defeated the Chicago Bears 19-13, Bengals running back Joe Mixon was injured in a tackle that clearly resembled the kind the NFL aimed to penalize this season. Mixon was brought down by Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards, with his foot pinned underneath him, echoing the textbook definition of a hip-drop tackle. Though Mixon limped off the field, he was fortunate the injury was not more severe, as no penalty was issued for the tackle.
Following the game, Mixon took to social media to express his frustration, stating a disagreement with the referee over the tackle’s nature despite the NFL’s emphasis on regulating such plays. He remarked, “Time to put your money where your mouth is.”
In subsequent discussions, both NBC commentators analyzed the play and agreed that it fit the profile of a hip-drop tackle. NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth noted the mechanics involved, while play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico highlighted the specific indicators that characterize this type of tackle, suggesting that although difficult to call in real-time, it remains a penalizable offense.
Although pinpointing a hip-drop tackle in the flow of the game is challenging, the rule’s addition to the rulebook underscores its significance. Quick identification by officials could help prevent such plays, aligning with the NFL’s objective to enhance player safety.