In the opening week of the NFL season, the focus was not only on the games themselves but also on the enforcement of a new ban on hip-drop tackles. Despite no penalty flags being thrown for this particular move, two New York Giants defenders found themselves facing fines for violating the newly implemented rule.
Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson was hit with a hefty $9,804 fine for his tackle on Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt, while linebacker Darius Muasau was fined $4,696 for a tackle on wide receiver Jordan Addison. The aftermath of these tackles resulted in Addison sustaining an ankle injury, keeping him sidelined for the upcoming weekend game.
The NFL’s approach to enforcing the ban on hip-drop tackles is primarily through fines rather than in-game penalties. This is due to the complex nature of the play, which requires multiple elements to be present for it to warrant punishment. As a result, on-field officials may find it challenging to accurately assess whether a tackle meets the criteria for a penalty.
One instance that caught the attention of fans and analysts alike was Jets cornerback Michael Carter’s tackle on 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Carter’s hit seemed to involve the hip-drop technique, which momentarily sidelined Jennings during last Monday night’s game. Despite speculation surrounding the legality of Carter’s tackle, the league decided not to fine him for the play.
As the NFL continues to crack down on dangerous tackles and prioritize player safety, the enforcement of the ban on hip-drop tackles serves as a reminder of the league’s commitment to protecting its athletes. The fines handed out to Jackson and Muasau, along with the close scrutiny of tackles like Carter’s, underscore the league’s vigilance in maintaining a safe and fair playing environment for all teams and players involved.
