Cam Heyward Isn't Holding Back About The NFL's Potential Hip-Drop Tackle Ban

It was another season full of controversial penalties, especially for Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive tackle, Cam Heyward. We all remember the Week 17 unnecessary roughness call on Heyward against the Baltimore Ravens, ultimately putting them in a hole that only quarterback, Kenny Pickett, and running back, Najee Harris, could dig them out of. Heyward, the fearless leader of the black and gold, hasn’t been shy to voice his opinions on penalties in the past, and this time is no different.

Allen Sills, the NFL’s Chief Medical Officer, revealed to Mark Maske of the Washington Post that conversations about banning the hip-drop tackle will be held this off-season. Sills had this to say on the topic:

“The techniques used on those tackles, in which the defender grabs the ball carrier from behind and then pulls him down while dropping the tackler’s own body to the ground, could be eliminated. That type of tackle, known in rugby as a ‘hip-drop tackle,’ was banned by the National Rugby League in Australia because of the injuries it caused.”

Complaints of this form of tackling have primarily surfaced after the NFL’s golden child, Patrick Mahomes, was injured from such a tackle in the divisional round of the playoffs against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In addition to Mahomes, who suffered a high ankle sprain on the play, this type of tackle is to credit for Dallas Cowboys running back, Tony Pollard’s broken leg and high ankle sprain as well. The concern from the NFL is valid, especially with injury-ridden seasons as of late. Defensive players are up in arms about the ordeal, including the Steelers’ one and only Cameron Heyward.  

Concerns were matched by former cornerback of the Seattle Seahawks, Richard Sherman, New York Jets cornerback, Michael Carter II and Miami Dolphins safety, Jevòn Holland, who all tweeted out on the topic. Defensive players have already been under a microscope with the increased number of roughing the passer calls, which has been a hot topic of discussion all season long. With the addition of a hip-drop tackle ban, the game would be changed entirely from a defensive standpoint.

Steelers Former RB Le'Veon Bell's Prior Incident

While current Steelers players may be furious, we have to wonder how former Pittsburgh running back, Le'Veon Bell would feel on the matter. In 2015, Bell suffered a season-ending injury against the Cincinnati Bengals during a Week 8 contest. Bell, a crucial component of the "Killer B's," was taken down by Vontaze Burfict, a former Bengals player notorious for dirty hits. During the collision, Bell's right knee twisted and became stuck under Burfict. Bell missed the remainder of the season with a torn MCL and had to undergo reparative surgery.

Unfortunately, knee injuries including ACL and MCL tears, have become exceedingly more common in the NFL. While some blame turf fields, others blame accidents caused by vicious tackles. What do you think the NFL should do about hip-drop tackles?  Let us know in the comments below.

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