Boldin (1 Viewer)

[Otis]

Otis is a die hard Dolpin fan, he hates the Jets, and his opinions in this thread have little credibilty, lacking any kind of objectivity t all. His posts are best ignored on any subject concerning the Jets... and maybe the Phins too.

Could you be more clueless? I have zero interest in the Dolphins. I live in NY and root for the Jets. "Sharks" indeed...

 

[Enforcer]

Otis is a die hard Dolpin fan, he hates the Jets, and his opinions in this thread have little credibilty, lacking any kind of objectivity t all. His posts are best ignored on any subject concerning the Jets... and maybe the Phins too.

Could you be more clueless? I have zero interest in the Dolphins. I live in NY and root for the Jets. "Sharks" indeed...

You must have missed it earlier when I asked you a few clarifying questions. Or ignored it. No sweat. I'll ask another. Who are you trying to insult using the term "sharks". If there's someone labeling themselves as a shark I must have missed it.It does sound silly that someone would try to label you a Dolphin fan if you were indeed a Jets fan. Was the perpetrator in this play being a Jet player something that made you extra emotional and upset?

 

[Rovers]

Otis is a die hard Dolpin fan, he hates the Jets, and his opinions in this thread have little credibilty, lacking any kind of objectivity t all. His posts are best ignored on any subject concerning the Jets... and maybe the Phins too.

Could you be more clueless? I have zero interest in the Dolphins. I live in NY and root for the Jets. "Sharks" indeed...

I almost believe that,,,, but I've seen too many of your posts.

 

[mad sweeney]

Do any AZ homers have any quotes from players or coaches about whether they thought the hit was dirty? I looked around a bit and the only person I found calling it a dirty hit was an AZ sports writer who was using a lot of hyperbole to begin with so it's hard to take him objectively. Usually in a play this visible there are many statements about it but I haven't seen any yet.

 

[Chairshot]

Did Rhodes' helmet "touch" Boldin's helmet? Might have, but that was NO helmet to helmet hit. I doubt Rhodes even saw Smith coming up to hit Boldin. His hit did make Boldin's head go down some, but I think Smith still would have hit helmet to helmet... uninentional but still illegal. A "textbook spear"? Fact is, it was facemask to facemask, which techinally is not spearing. How much did the Rhodes hit change where Smiths hit got him? That is a debate that would go on forever. Otis is a die hard Dolpin fan, he hates the Jets, and his opinions in this thread have little credibilty, lacking any kind of objectivity t all. His posts are best ignored on any subject concerning the Jets... and maybe the Phins too. There has never been any shortage of Jets haters... why, outside of Phins fans I don't know, but this thread is more proof of that fact. I CAN understand a call for Smith's head on a platter here... but the people calling out Rhodes... well, that is just plain dumb hiney flatulence making itself known.... and it stinks.

My point about Rhodes part of it is that he led with his head and made no attempt to make an actual tackle. He was just trying to go up top and hit Boldin with his helmet. Rhodes part of the deal is marginal as far as illegal or legal. I think he will probably get a fine.As far as Smith's part of the hit, I really don't think that we are watching the same film of the hit. Smith's head is lowered, he isn't looking at the ball or the player and he hits Boldin with his helmet, not his face mask. He isn't looking his way into to tackle at all, his head is down. Add to it that he launches himself at Boldin and, yes, it's a textbook spear. Leaving your feet, leading with your helmet and hitting a player with your helmet is a spear.Also, face mask to face mask *is* considered a spear, or at the very least it's against the rules. Rule 12 under Impermissible Use of Helmet and Facemask calls "using any part of a player’s helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/“hairline” parts) or facemask to butt, spear, or ram an opponent violently or unnecessarily" an unnecessary roughness penalty.To me, Rhodes broke this rule, though marginally. Smith flat out broke it and hurt a player (and himself) in the process.

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

Both defensive players looked like they were head hunting IMO. Both players should be heavily fined and probably suspended.

Glad to see Boldin regained feeling and will come out of this relatively ok.

Rhodes was just following the play.... absolutely NOTHING he did was malicious or head hunting. He hit Boldin from behind, and that is what he is supposed to do. There was no launch, no helemet to helmet contact. IMO, your opinion is clueless. Rhodes should be suspended and heavilly fined? You should get a week off for posting such a stoooopid comment. (I don't actually mean that... but it was written to be as a comparsion to the silly statement you made about Rhodes part in the play... clueless and an over reaction)That sort of nonsense behind, glad to hear it sounds like the less serious concussion injury as opposed to a spinal injury. It WAS also very stooopid for AZ to keep playing all their starters in a lost cause. Once the game is clearly, CLEARLY over... run the clock out. This isn'tthe BCS where margin of victroty and losses makes a hill of beans of difference.

Not sure I'm seeing the same thing you are seeing. Rhodes definitely made helmet to helmet contact. He wasn't in a position to do much damage with that contact since both he and Boldin were moving in the same direction. But he definitely lowered his head into Boldin's head form behind.Smith lowered his head, led with his helmet and left his feet. That's a dirty play, period. I really don't know how it can be seen as anything else then that. If that's *not* a dirty hit, then what is? Regardless of where he had hit Boldin, it was a dirty hit. The fact that Boldin's head was where he hit doesn't even matter. If Smith had hit him dead in the chest with the same type of hit, it would still be dirty.

It was a textbook spear and that type of play has been outlawed (for good reason) for years. Can't really get around that, I don't think.

I do agree with the others that said that the play was pointless. The Cards were calling plays that put their best players are risk when there was very little chance they could win the game. If you want to keep passing, make it short, safe routes. The deep crossing routes are some of the most dangerous routes out there for a WR, especially when the safeties are sitting back on the pass.

There has never been any shortage of Jets haters... .

You're making things up here. The Jets haven't been significant enough to have an overwhelming number of haters.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

I thought this was an absolutely despicable play. You're up 30 points with a couple minutes to go, and you lay an absolutely filthy hit on an opposing player like that? Boldin is a class act and has played with heart and determination since he came into the league. He's the model NFL player. Hate to see something so awful happen to such a good guy.

All of that said, most importantly, I'm glad the early reports are good. The biggest concern was neck injury, so the fact that he doesn't have one is fantastic.

Still a horrid play by the Jets there and, if it weren't for the illegal hit, would have been another tremendous play by Anquan Boldin.

Also, I've gotta say F Warner and the Cardinals for going out and continuing the drive after the injury. That was disgraceful.

Was there a flag thrown for illegal hit?

Does that change something for you?

It's not an illegal hit. So unless/until the league comes out and says it was illegal...

It WAS illegal. Were you not able to see it yet, for yourself?Anyway, glad to hear Boldin is doing well...

Again, what aspect of it was illegal? The fact that it was H2H, IMO, is because Q got knocked from behind. Which to me makes it not Smith's fault and not an intentional H2H hit. I'm perfectly willing to accept that it was illegal if someone tells me exactly WHY it's illegal, instead of just saying "it was".

How about the fact that both of the two defenders led with, and initiated contact with their helmets on the helmet of the WR? A WR who was not ducking for cover, nor was he even standing tall. He was up in the air, and both defenders launched themselves at him, up high.I'm no Az fan. No Jets hater. Don't have any FF interest. I just think this sort of thing needs to end.

 

[morris4903]

Both defensive players looked like they were head hunting IMO. Both players should be heavily fined and probably suspended. Glad to see Boldin regained feeling and will come out of this relatively ok.

Rhodes was just following the play.... absolutely NOTHING he did was malicious or head hunting. He hit Boldin from behind, and that is what he is supposed to do. There was no launch, no helemet to helmet contact. IMO, your opinion is clueless. Rhodes should be suspended and heavilly fined? You should get a week off for posting such a stoooopid comment. (I don't actually mean that... but it was written to be as a comparsion to the silly statement you made about Rhodes part in the play... clueless and an over reaction)That sort of nonsense behind, glad to hear it sounds like the less serious concussion injury as opposed to a spinal injury. It WAS also very stooopid for AZ to keep playing all their starters in a lost cause. Once the game is clearly, CLEARLY over... run the clock out. This isn'tthe BCS where margin of victroty and losses makes a hill of beans of difference.

Looking at the replay several times, I was a little over zealous on the first hit by Rhodes, but he still was leading with his helmet and was making no attempt at playing the ball. I would still fine him. The second hit looks worse and worse everytime I watch him. That guy should hand over some of this salary to Boldin.

If he lead with his helmet, it's only beacuse it's attached to his shoulders. How was Rhodes supposed to make a play on the ball? He was trying to make a hit to jar the ball loose. He had NO play on the ball! Is Boldin some sort of relative of yours? I won't argue the Smith hit... but get off Rhodes already. ALL DB's hit after the catch to make the tackle and/or jar the ball loose. It happens on over 50% of the completions made in the NFL. They call it tackle football... not flag football. Ever play the game? It's violent. It's fun. It's dangerous.

You must related to Rhodes with as much support you are throwing him. Just because I don't agree with your viewpoint doesn't mean I'm related to Boldin. I couldn't care less about the prospects of either team. I just think there is a little more to Rhodes' play than just jarring the ball loose.

 

[azgroover]

Do any AZ homers have any quotes from players or coaches about whether they thought the hit was dirty? I looked around a bit and the only person I found calling it a dirty hit was an AZ sports writer who was using a lot of hyperbole to begin with so it's hard to take him objectively. Usually in a play this visible there are many statements about it but I haven't seen any yet.

Dan Bickley is the Arizona Repbulic's lead sports guy. Has a little deeper insight into the scene immediately following the hit. Btw, he calls it a cheap shot.

Bickley: A very scary business

Cheap shot on Cards' Boldin a frightening reminder of NFL's vicious nature

3 comments by Dan Bickley - Sept. 28, 2008 07:12 PM

The Arizona Republic

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -

On the field, the hit sounded as bad as it looked. Witnesses say it was like a train hitting a truck, the kind of sound you never forget.

The players who weren't paying attention to the waning moments of a 56-35 blowout were instantly alerted by the sound. And whether or not they saw Eric Smith's horrific cheap shot to the head of Anquan Boldin, everyone was shocked to see the Cardinals star receiver motionless in the end zone.

After all, they don't come any tougher.

"It kind of brought tears to my eyes to see Anquan down like that," defensive tackle Darnell Dockett said. "I turned around and saw his son (in the stands) and, man, that was tough for me. I've got kids, too."

There have been many horrible moments in the history of the Arizona Cardinals, moments that make you cringe and games that make you sick to your stomach. Nothing compared to the 30 minutes that felt like an eternity, the time it took for Boldin's neck to snap back after a helmet-to-helmet hit to the news that the Cardinals wide receiver was not disabled by the sport he loves.

"Typical Q; he said he was going to be all right," Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald said.

Cross your fingers and say a prayer.

There is much to say about this wretched loss in the Meadowlands. The Cardinals defense made Brett Favre a legend all over again. The second quarter might have been the most embarrassing 15 minutes of football in team history, and that's saying something. They squandered a great chance to come home with a 3-1 record and muted much of the optimism spawned from their 2-0 start.

The interior players on the offensive line will be having nightmares about Jets nose tackle Kris Jenkins for the rest of their careers. Tackle Levi Brown should apologize to Kurt Warner for the matador blocking. And if you're wondering why the Cardinals offense can look so bad in one half and so good in the other, it's because this team always plays well when the coaches let Warner fire the ball all over the field. That's the only time this offense looks special. The new play caller, Todd Haley, needs to take notes and quit worrying about running the ball on every first down - although it might not be feasible if Boldin is out for any length of time.

But all of that seems trivial now, doesn't it?

When the ambulance began backing down the tunnel, only his teammates were aware that Boldin was conscious, talking, asking if he could get out of the stretcher. He was wheeled inside the stadium and then carried inside the X-ray room.

His fiancee appeared in the hallway, her face full of fear. Smith, the villain, had to be helped to the Jets locker room but left the stadium on his own feet, without saying a word.

You could see Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt standing in the middle of the locker room, scratching his head, thinking of words to say. As the rest of team trudged down the hallway, one member of the Cardinals offensive line screamed something about "damn statistics."

Yes, the first instinct was to wonder about coaches in this cutthroat business. Why were the Cardinals still throwing the ball with 34 seconds left and trailing by three touchdowns? Was it in retaliation for Jets coach Eric Mangini going for a two-point conversion with a 54-35 lead? Is concession a crime in this sport? And how could the officials not call a penalty on Smith, who left his feet and led with his helmet, a taboo act in the NFL?

The truth is much simpler: This is a violent, vicious sport. An injury like Boldin's can happen anytime, to anyone, on any given play.

"It was scary," Warner said. "Scary play, scary part of this business. And I can't get it out of my mind."

If Boldin is truly OK, maybe the awful hit and that terrible sound helps the Cardinals move past this dreadful loss. Maybe it helps them bond even closer. Dockett said it should fire up the team moving forward, watching the Jets score more than 50 points and "one of our best warriors got knocked out."

Don't know about all that, but this much is clear:

The Cardinals lost a game, and we all gained perspective.

 

[mad sweeney]

Do any AZ homers have any quotes from players or coaches about whether they thought the hit was dirty? I looked around a bit and the only person I found calling it a dirty hit was an AZ sports writer who was using a lot of hyperbole to begin with so it's hard to take him objectively. Usually in a play this visible there are many statements about it but I haven't seen any yet.

Dan Bickley is the Arizona Repbulic's lead sports guy. Has a little deeper insight into the scene immediately following the hit. Btw, he calls it a cheap shot.

Bickley: A very scary business

Cheap shot on Cards' Boldin a frightening reminder of NFL's vicious nature

3 comments by Dan Bickley - Sept. 28, 2008 07:12 PM

The Arizona Republic

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -

On the field, the hit sounded as bad as it looked. Witnesses say it was like a train hitting a truck, the kind of sound you never forget.

The players who weren't paying attention to the waning moments of a 56-35 blowout were instantly alerted by the sound. And whether or not they saw Eric Smith's horrific cheap shot to the head of Anquan Boldin, everyone was shocked to see the Cardinals star receiver motionless in the end zone.

After all, they don't come any tougher.

"It kind of brought tears to my eyes to see Anquan down like that," defensive tackle Darnell Dockett said. "I turned around and saw his son (in the stands) and, man, that was tough for me. I've got kids, too."

There have been many horrible moments in the history of the Arizona Cardinals, moments that make you cringe and games that make you sick to your stomach. Nothing compared to the 30 minutes that felt like an eternity, the time it took for Boldin's neck to snap back after a helmet-to-helmet hit to the news that the Cardinals wide receiver was not disabled by the sport he loves.

"Typical Q; he said he was going to be all right," Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald said.

Cross your fingers and say a prayer.

There is much to say about this wretched loss in the Meadowlands. The Cardinals defense made Brett Favre a legend all over again. The second quarter might have been the most embarrassing 15 minutes of football in team history, and that's saying something. They squandered a great chance to come home with a 3-1 record and muted much of the optimism spawned from their 2-0 start.

The interior players on the offensive line will be having nightmares about Jets nose tackle Kris Jenkins for the rest of their careers. Tackle Levi Brown should apologize to Kurt Warner for the matador blocking. And if you're wondering why the Cardinals offense can look so bad in one half and so good in the other, it's because this team always plays well when the coaches let Warner fire the ball all over the field. That's the only time this offense looks special. The new play caller, Todd Haley, needs to take notes and quit worrying about running the ball on every first down - although it might not be feasible if Boldin is out for any length of time.

But all of that seems trivial now, doesn't it?

When the ambulance began backing down the tunnel, only his teammates were aware that Boldin was conscious, talking, asking if he could get out of the stretcher. He was wheeled inside the stadium and then carried inside the X-ray room.

His fiancee appeared in the hallway, her face full of fear. Smith, the villain, had to be helped to the Jets locker room but left the stadium on his own feet, without saying a word.

You could see Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt standing in the middle of the locker room, scratching his head, thinking of words to say. As the rest of team trudged down the hallway, one member of the Cardinals offensive line screamed something about "damn statistics."

Yes, the first instinct was to wonder about coaches in this cutthroat business. Why were the Cardinals still throwing the ball with 34 seconds left and trailing by three touchdowns? Was it in retaliation for Jets coach Eric Mangini going for a two-point conversion with a 54-35 lead? Is concession a crime in this sport? And how could the officials not call a penalty on Smith, who left his feet and led with his helmet, a taboo act in the NFL?

The truth is much simpler: This is a violent, vicious sport. An injury like Boldin's can happen anytime, to anyone, on any given play.

"It was scary," Warner said. "Scary play, scary part of this business. And I can't get it out of my mind."

If Boldin is truly OK, maybe the awful hit and that terrible sound helps the Cardinals move past this dreadful loss. Maybe it helps them bond even closer. Dockett said it should fire up the team moving forward, watching the Jets score more than 50 points and "one of our best warriors got knocked out."

Don't know about all that, but this much is clear:

The Cardinals lost a game, and we all gained perspective.

Thanks, but this is the article I was referencing. Sorry, but "horrific cheap shot" it was not. I am more interested in hearing from the players rather than biased local reproters.

 

[azgroover]

Do any AZ homers have any quotes from players or coaches about whether they thought the hit was dirty? I looked around a bit and the only person I found calling it a dirty hit was an AZ sports writer who was using a lot of hyperbole to begin with so it's hard to take him objectively. Usually in a play this visible there are many statements about it but I haven't seen any yet.

Dan Bickley is the Arizona Repbulic's lead sports guy. Has a little deeper insight into the scene immediately following the hit. Btw, he calls it a cheap shot.

Bickley: A very scary business

Cheap shot on Cards' Boldin a frightening reminder of NFL's vicious nature

3 comments by Dan Bickley - Sept. 28, 2008 07:12 PM

The Arizona Republic

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -

On the field, the hit sounded as bad as it looked. Witnesses say it was like a train hitting a truck, the kind of sound you never forget.

The players who weren't paying attention to the waning moments of a 56-35 blowout were instantly alerted by the sound. And whether or not they saw Eric Smith's horrific cheap shot to the head of Anquan Boldin, everyone was shocked to see the Cardinals star receiver motionless in the end zone.

After all, they don't come any tougher.

"It kind of brought tears to my eyes to see Anquan down like that," defensive tackle Darnell Dockett said. "I turned around and saw his son (in the stands) and, man, that was tough for me. I've got kids, too."

There have been many horrible moments in the history of the Arizona Cardinals, moments that make you cringe and games that make you sick to your stomach. Nothing compared to the 30 minutes that felt like an eternity, the time it took for Boldin's neck to snap back after a helmet-to-helmet hit to the news that the Cardinals wide receiver was not disabled by the sport he loves.

"Typical Q; he said he was going to be all right," Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald said.

Cross your fingers and say a prayer.

There is much to say about this wretched loss in the Meadowlands. The Cardinals defense made Brett Favre a legend all over again. The second quarter might have been the most embarrassing 15 minutes of football in team history, and that's saying something. They squandered a great chance to come home with a 3-1 record and muted much of the optimism spawned from their 2-0 start.

The interior players on the offensive line will be having nightmares about Jets nose tackle Kris Jenkins for the rest of their careers. Tackle Levi Brown should apologize to Kurt Warner for the matador blocking. And if you're wondering why the Cardinals offense can look so bad in one half and so good in the other, it's because this team always plays well when the coaches let Warner fire the ball all over the field. That's the only time this offense looks special. The new play caller, Todd Haley, needs to take notes and quit worrying about running the ball on every first down - although it might not be feasible if Boldin is out for any length of time.

But all of that seems trivial now, doesn't it?

When the ambulance began backing down the tunnel, only his teammates were aware that Boldin was conscious, talking, asking if he could get out of the stretcher. He was wheeled inside the stadium and then carried inside the X-ray room.

His fiancee appeared in the hallway, her face full of fear. Smith, the villain, had to be helped to the Jets locker room but left the stadium on his own feet, without saying a word.

You could see Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt standing in the middle of the locker room, scratching his head, thinking of words to say. As the rest of team trudged down the hallway, one member of the Cardinals offensive line screamed something about "damn statistics."

Yes, the first instinct was to wonder about coaches in this cutthroat business. Why were the Cardinals still throwing the ball with 34 seconds left and trailing by three touchdowns? Was it in retaliation for Jets coach Eric Mangini going for a two-point conversion with a 54-35 lead? Is concession a crime in this sport? And how could the officials not call a penalty on Smith, who left his feet and led with his helmet, a taboo act in the NFL?

The truth is much simpler: This is a violent, vicious sport. An injury like Boldin's can happen anytime, to anyone, on any given play.

"It was scary," Warner said. "Scary play, scary part of this business. And I can't get it out of my mind."

If Boldin is truly OK, maybe the awful hit and that terrible sound helps the Cardinals move past this dreadful loss. Maybe it helps them bond even closer. Dockett said it should fire up the team moving forward, watching the Jets score more than 50 points and "one of our best warriors got knocked out."

Don't know about all that, but this much is clear:

The Cardinals lost a game, and we all gained perspective.

Thanks, but this is the article I was referencing. Sorry, but "horrific cheap shot" it was not. I am more interested in hearing from the players rather than biased local reproters.

Here's a bit from Kent Somers' article:

I talked to several Cardinals after the game and not one of them thought the hit was cheap. But I am surprised the play didn't draw a penalty. That type of hit is prohibited.

 

[mad sweeney]

I thought this was an absolutely despicable play. You're up 30 points with a couple minutes to go, and you lay an absolutely filthy hit on an opposing player like that? Boldin is a class act and has played with heart and determination since he came into the league. He's the model NFL player. Hate to see something so awful happen to such a good guy.

All of that said, most importantly, I'm glad the early reports are good. The biggest concern was neck injury, so the fact that he doesn't have one is fantastic.

Still a horrid play by the Jets there and, if it weren't for the illegal hit, would have been another tremendous play by Anquan Boldin.

Also, I've gotta say F Warner and the Cardinals for going out and continuing the drive after the injury. That was disgraceful.

Was there a flag thrown for illegal hit?

Does that change something for you?

It's not an illegal hit. So unless/until the league comes out and says it was illegal...

It WAS illegal. Were you not able to see it yet, for yourself?Anyway, glad to hear Boldin is doing well...

Again, what aspect of it was illegal? The fact that it was H2H, IMO, is because Q got knocked from behind. Which to me makes it not Smith's fault and not an intentional H2H hit. I'm perfectly willing to accept that it was illegal if someone tells me exactly WHY it's illegal, instead of just saying "it was".

How about the fact that both of the two defenders led with, and initiated contact with their helmets on the helmet of the WR? A WR who was not ducking for cover, nor was he even standing tall. He was up in the air, and both defenders launched themselves at him, up high.I'm no Az fan. No Jets hater. Don't have any FF interest. I just think this sort of thing needs to end.

My whole point is that the second hit was only h2h because Boldin got it into him and thus was accidental. If you watch the clip again Smith does launch himself, but not very high. On top of that he hits Q low on the facemask which means Q was higher than he was. I'm all for protecting the players but I am just not convinced that what Smith did was or should be illegal.

 

[Broadway Joe]

I thought this was an absolutely despicable play. You're up 30 points with a couple minutes to go, and you lay an absolutely filthy hit on an opposing player like that? Boldin is a class act and has played with heart and determination since he came into the league. He's the model NFL player. Hate to see something so awful happen to such a good guy.

All of that said, most importantly, I'm glad the early reports are good. The biggest concern was neck injury, so the fact that he doesn't have one is fantastic.

Still a horrid play by the Jets there and, if it weren't for the illegal hit, would have been another tremendous play by Anquan Boldin.

Also, I've gotta say F Warner and the Cardinals for going out and continuing the drive after the injury. That was disgraceful.

Was there a flag thrown for illegal hit?

Does that change something for you?

It's not an illegal hit. So unless/until the league comes out and says it was illegal...

It WAS illegal. Were you not able to see it yet, for yourself?Anyway, glad to hear Boldin is doing well...

Again, what aspect of it was illegal? The fact that it was H2H, IMO, is because Q got knocked from behind. Which to me makes it not Smith's fault and not an intentional H2H hit. I'm perfectly willing to accept that it was illegal if someone tells me exactly WHY it's illegal, instead of just saying "it was".

How about the fact that both of the two defenders led with, and initiated contact with their helmets on the helmet of the WR? A WR who was not ducking for cover, nor was he even standing tall. He was up in the air, and both defenders launched themselves at him, up high.I'm no Az fan. No Jets hater. Don't have any FF interest. I just think this sort of thing needs to end.

My whole point is that the second hit was only h2h because Boldin got it into him and thus was accidental. If you watch the clip again Smith does launch himself, but not very high. On top of that he hits Q low on the facemask which means Q was higher than he was. I'm all for protecting the players but I am just not convinced that what Smith did was or should be illegal.

I'll wager a fine is forthcoming. Not even debatable to anyone that is not a hayseed IMO

 

[mad sweeney]

I thought this was an absolutely despicable play. You're up 30 points with a couple minutes to go, and you lay an absolutely filthy hit on an opposing player like that? Boldin is a class act and has played with heart and determination since he came into the league. He's the model NFL player. Hate to see something so awful happen to such a good guy.

All of that said, most importantly, I'm glad the early reports are good. The biggest concern was neck injury, so the fact that he doesn't have one is fantastic.

Still a horrid play by the Jets there and, if it weren't for the illegal hit, would have been another tremendous play by Anquan Boldin.

Also, I've gotta say F Warner and the Cardinals for going out and continuing the drive after the injury. That was disgraceful.

Was there a flag thrown for illegal hit?

Does that change something for you?

It's not an illegal hit. So unless/until the league comes out and says it was illegal...

It WAS illegal. Were you not able to see it yet, for yourself?Anyway, glad to hear Boldin is doing well...

Again, what aspect of it was illegal? The fact that it was H2H, IMO, is because Q got knocked from behind. Which to me makes it not Smith's fault and not an intentional H2H hit. I'm perfectly willing to accept that it was illegal if someone tells me exactly WHY it's illegal, instead of just saying "it was".

How about the fact that both of the two defenders led with, and initiated contact with their helmets on the helmet of the WR? A WR who was not ducking for cover, nor was he even standing tall. He was up in the air, and both defenders launched themselves at him, up high.I'm no Az fan. No Jets hater. Don't have any FF interest. I just think this sort of thing needs to end.

My whole point is that the second hit was only h2h because Boldin got it into him and thus was accidental. If you watch the clip again Smith does launch himself, but not very high. On top of that he hits Q low on the facemask which means Q was higher than he was. I'm all for protecting the players but I am just not convinced that what Smith did was or should be illegal.

I'll wager a fine is forthcoming. Not even debatable to anyone that is not a hayseed IMO

I really don't see why namecalling is needed to try and prove a point. Seems to me that's much more of a hayseed move than someone who sees things a little different and actually explains his rationale for it. Still waiting for that magic explanation why it was illegal other than "it was". It further seems to me that if it was such a horrific cheap shot that there would be at least one player or coach saying something about it. Instead the only report about players said that they didn't think it was a cheap shot (see post above for quote) and there was no flag for what you claim isn't even debateable (not that refs are anywhere near perfect).

I've been looking at a lot of stories about it from yahoo, nfl.com and other news sources and so far not one of them has mentioned the possibility of it being fineable or cheap. In fact the NFL.com story said nearly the same thing I've been saying.

Late in the fourth quarter, Boldin went airborne attempting to catch a touchdown pass, but was hit from behind from Jets FS Kerry Rhodes, causing his head to snap forward, and then — almost simultaneously — was hit in the front by SS Eric Smith and Boldin’s head snapped backwards.

If it's so apparent, horrific and not even debateable, why is NO ONE (outside of AZ locals) mentioning it in their stories/writeups?

 

[Enforcer]

I'll wager a fine is forthcoming. Not even debatable to anyone that is not a hayseed IMO

Hayseed? Okay. Are you saying that there's no chance that the NFL deems it was accidental given the odd circumstances of players being pinballed around? Did Kimo get fined when he took out Carson Palmer's leg? I'm asking because I don't know. Can a player get fined even if the league determines it was accidental? It was certainly violent. Vicious even, but I don't know that intent can be established here. Yes, he was looking for a big hit, but I don't think it was necessarily with the intent to purposefully injure. As far as we know the intent was to knock the ball out.After seeing Julian Peterson get fined for "pointing to his name on the back of his jersey" after making a sack, I'm not surprised by anything that the NFL deems is fine worthy. Oddly enough, I've noticed this self name-pointing thing a lot lately. I haven't researched whether or not more fines were issued for the same thing.

 

[Chairshot]

Still waiting for that magic explanation why it was illegal other than "it was". It further seems to me that if it was such a horrific cheap shot that there would be at least one player or coach saying something about it. Instead the only report about players said that they didn't think it was a cheap shot (see post above for quote) and there was no flag for what you claim isn't even debateable (not that refs are anywhere near perfect).

The hit was clearly illegal. In the NFL Rule Book, Rule 12 under Impermissible Use of Helmet and Facemask calls "using any part of a player’s helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/“hairline” parts) or facemask to butt, spear, or ram an opponent violently or unnecessarily" a 15 yard unnecessary roughness penalty.What the players and coaches have to say about the matter really doesn't matter either. On questionable plays you often have players on both sides of the issue throwing there feelings and opinions out there. Since each and every person has a different definition of what a "dirty" play is, it doesn't seem realistic to rely on their opinions, especially considering that most players asked for their opinion on the matter will have a personal stake in what answer they give, regardless of which side of fence they are on.

There should have been a flag. Saying that the play must be legal because there was no flag is kinda silly, isn't it? The refs blow calls all the time. The NFL fines players for illegal hits where there was no flag on the actual play with regularity. Looking at the rule, I really don't see how anyone can argue that the hit (and maybe even both hits, if you really want to be a stickler) was legal. You launch yourself into the air and hit a guy with your helmet, regardless if it was helmet to helmet, it's an illegal hit.

It was certainly violent. Vicious even, but I don't know that intent can be established here. Yes, he was looking for a big hit, but I don't think it was necessarily with the intent to purposefully injure. As far as we know the intent was to knock the ball out.

His intent doesn't really matter. He led with his helmet, he left his feet and he hit Boldin with his helmet. It's a spear and there should have been a flag. I don't think there is any way to tell his intent. Personally, I doubt Smith was standing there, pre-play, thinking to himself that he hoped he had a shot to seriously injure a player. He probably feels horrible about the whole thing for all we know. But the bottom line is that he clearly broke the rules and the NFL has a history of fining people in this situation. I'd be shocked if they didn't fine him, especially considering Roger Goodell just reminded all teams specifically about hits like this.Personally, I'm betting he was all jacked up on the big win, he was looking to make a big hit, got overzealous and took advantage of the situation without really thinking. I doubt he had evil intentions. But that doesn't change the fact that it was a cheap shot. Or the fact that it's an illegal hit. Or the fact that it's a very dangerous play, both for himself and other players. Or that it really has no place in the game and the league is specifically cracking down on these types of hits.

A bonehead move. But he probably deserves a fine and I don't think I'd feel bad for him if he got a suspension out of the deal, though I suspect that won't happen.

 

[mad sweeney]

Still waiting for that magic explanation why it was illegal other than "it was". It further seems to me that if it was such a horrific cheap shot that there would be at least one player or coach saying something about it. Instead the only report about players said that they didn't think it was a cheap shot (see post above for quote) and there was no flag for what you claim isn't even debateable (not that refs are anywhere near perfect).

The hit was clearly illegal. In the NFL Rule Book, Rule 12 under Impermissible Use of Helmet and Facemask calls "using any part of a player’s helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/“hairline” parts) or facemask to butt, spear, or ram an opponent violently or unnecessarily" a 15 yard unnecessary roughness penalty.What the players and coaches have to say about the matter really doesn't matter either. On questionable plays you often have players on both sides of the issue throwing there feelings and opinions out there. Since each and every person has a different definition of what a "dirty" play is, it doesn't seem realistic to rely on their opinions, especially considering that most players asked for their opinion on the matter will have a personal stake in what answer they give, regardless of which side of fence they are on.

There should have been a flag. Saying that the play must be legal because there was no flag is kinda silly, isn't it? The refs blow calls all the time. The NFL fines players for illegal hits where there was no flag on the actual play with regularity. Looking at the rule, I really don't see how anyone can argue that the hit (and maybe even both hits, if you really want to be a stickler) was legal. You launch yourself into the air and hit a guy with your helmet, regardless if it was helmet to helmet, it's an illegal hit.

I never even came close to saying that it must be legal if there was no flag, in fact I think I made it clear with the bolded part of my post. My main contention has always been that Q getting hit from behind made the hit into h2h that wasn't intended and possibly would've not happened at all. Whether or not the rules allow for some review of the hit to determine if there were extenuating circumstances (like the hit from behind). Seemed to me that Smith was trying to raise his arms for a more "legal" hit and the pinball prevented that and made it into a h2h.

My point about other players. coaches and reporters (and the non flag) was in response to all the people calling it undebateable, horrific, despicable and all the other adjectives about it that were over the top. If it was so bad, why is not one person saying so? Of course it isn't a realistic measure, but if it's so bad as some here claim, I would think that at least one person outside of a Cards fan would say so publicly.

I'm up in the air for if there will be a fine. I think if you want to be a stickler then you can't fine him because there's no way to know if the hit would've been h2h had Boldin not been hit from behind. There have been plenty of injury hits that have gone unfined. EJ Henderson on Hasselbeck, Kimo on Palmer, some Niner on Payne, the hit on Brady etc... and most of those involved a third player influencing the motion of one oft he two players involved which is clearly what happened here.

I do appreciate actual facts and a decent argument being presented into this discussion, but I disagree that it was a cheap shot. Even if it gets fined I believe it will be because they deem it a dangerous play and not because it was cheap or dirty. But the pinballing makes it unfair to Smith to assign a dirty label on him.

 

[Das Boot]

Still waiting for that magic explanation why it was illegal other than "it was". It further seems to me that if it was such a horrific cheap shot that there would be at least one player or coach saying something about it. Instead the only report about players said that they didn't think it was a cheap shot (see post above for quote) and there was no flag for what you claim isn't even debateable (not that refs are anywhere near perfect).

The hit was clearly illegal. In the NFL Rule Book, Rule 12 under Impermissible Use of Helmet and Facemask calls "using any part of a player’s helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/“hairline” parts) or facemask to butt, spear, or ram an opponent violently or unnecessarily" a 15 yard unnecessary roughness penalty.What the players and coaches have to say about the matter really doesn't matter either. On questionable plays you often have players on both sides of the issue throwing there feelings and opinions out there. Since each and every person has a different definition of what a "dirty" play is, it doesn't seem realistic to rely on their opinions, especially considering that most players asked for their opinion on the matter will have a personal stake in what answer they give, regardless of which side of fence they are on.

There should have been a flag. Saying that the play must be legal because there was no flag is kinda silly, isn't it? The refs blow calls all the time. The NFL fines players for illegal hits where there was no flag on the actual play with regularity. Looking at the rule, I really don't see how anyone can argue that the hit (and maybe even both hits, if you really want to be a stickler) was legal. You launch yourself into the air and hit a guy with your helmet, regardless if it was helmet to helmet, it's an illegal hit.

I never even came close to saying that it must be legal if there was no flag, in fact I think I made it clear with the bolded part of my post. My main contention has always been that Q getting hit from behind made the hit into h2h that wasn't intended and possibly would've not happened at all. Whether or not the rules allow for some review of the hit to determine if there were extenuating circumstances (like the hit from behind). Seemed to me that Smith was trying to raise his arms for a more "legal" hit and the pinball prevented that and made it into a h2h.

My point about other players. coaches and reporters (and the non flag) was in response to all the people calling it undebateable, horrific, despicable and all the other adjectives about it that were over the top. If it was so bad, why is not one person saying so? Of course it isn't a realistic measure, but if it's so bad as some here claim, I would think that at least one person outside of a Cards fan would say so publicly.

I'm up in the air for if there will be a fine. I think if you want to be a stickler then you can't fine him because there's no way to know if the hit would've been h2h had Boldin not been hit from behind. There have been plenty of injury hits that have gone unfined. EJ Henderson on Hasselbeck, Kimo on Palmer, some Niner on Payne, the hit on Brady etc... and most of those involved a third player influencing the motion of one oft he two players involved which is clearly what happened here.

I do appreciate actual facts and a decent argument being presented into this discussion, but I disagree that it was a cheap shot. Even if it gets fined I believe it will be because they deem it a dangerous play and not because it was cheap or dirty. But the pinballing makes it unfair to Smith to assign a dirty label on him.

The hit from behind is a red herring IMO, if that 1st hit hadn't happened, no one would be arguing at all whether the 2nd hit was a penalty or intentional H2H.Watch the downfield view starting at :35 of this clip

The hit from behind moves Boldin's head a few inches at best and happens just a split second before the 2nd hit, i.e the 1st hit doesn't really matter (from an intention point of view), the 2nd hit was already lined up and on its way and hit nearly where it would have without the 1st hit.

The 2nd hit would have been H2H no matter what, and the 2nd hit was clearly intentionally spearing.

I have NO DOUBT the NFL fines this hit heavily and a suspension would not surprise me.

 

[Das Boot]

The NFL.com clip (Wk4: Anquan Boldin injury clip) is infinitely better and I would think erases any shred of doubt about whether this hit was illegal and will be fined. The announcers in the clip certainly have no doubt about either.

 

[Chairshot]

I do appreciate actual facts and a decent argument being presented into this discussion, but I disagree that it was a cheap shot. Even if it gets fined I believe it will be because they deem it a dangerous play and not because it was cheap or dirty. But the pinballing makes it unfair to Smith to assign a dirty label on him.

I guess my question is this: if this isn't a dirty play, then what is?The helmet to helmet contact is irrelevant, at least when it comes to judging the play itself. It was a spear, by rule. Though I'm sure the NFL will take into account that it was helmet to helmet when they levy the fine, just as they will take into account that Boldin was defenseless, something Rule 12 talks about being a special consideration. He left his feet. He lowered his head. He led with with his helmet. How is that *not* a dirty play? What part of that is clean? The pinballing makes no difference (setting aside that it's very questionable if the pinballing even caused the second hit to be helmet to helmet in the first place). If Rhodes hadn't been involved in the play at all and it was just Boldin and Smith, Smith *still* left his feet, lowered his head and led with his helmet.It seems to me that some people think it's only fair to call it a dirty play if Smith had *intentions* to hurt someone. His intentions and feelings before the play really don't mean anything to me. He did what he did. If he *wanted* to hurt Boldin, what else would he have done differently? If his intentions were to hurt Boldin, he would have basically done exactly what he did - he would have lowered his head, left his feet and led with his helmet.I'm very willing to believe that he didn't have the intention of hurting Boldin (though I don't know if that's the truth or not). But it doesn't really matter. Players should be accountable for their actions on the field. The rules aren't written to take into account how a player was feeling or what they were thinking before the infraction.I guess I just don't see how anyone can defend him throwing a hit that way. If he had looked the tackle all the way in (the way you're supposed to), led with his shoulder (the way you're supposed to) and even pretended to attempt a wrap up or strip (the way you're supposed to), and Boldin was still hurt, I'd understand. He would have attempted to tackle the correct and legal way and it led to an injury, which happens as football is a tough and violent game. But what he did do was in no way legal on any level. From pee-wee to the NFL, what Smith did was a spear. So how can it be considered anything but a cheap shot? Because he "didn't mean it"? That doesn't make any sense to me.A dirty hit is a dirty hit is a dirty hit. Intentions mean very little when the actions are the same. Whether Smith was trying to take Boldin's head off or if he was hoping he was his one true love, it's still a spear and one of the most dangerous plays in all of sports for both parties.

 

[cobalt_27]

Clearly, this head-to-head hit will result in a fine.

 

[cobalt_27]

Still waiting for that magic explanation why it was illegal other than "it was". It further seems to me that if it was such a horrific cheap shot that there would be at least one player or coach saying something about it. Instead the only report about players said that they didn't think it was a cheap shot (see post above for quote) and there was no flag for what you claim isn't even debateable (not that refs are anywhere near perfect).

The hit was clearly illegal. In the NFL Rule Book, Rule 12 under Impermissible Use of Helmet and Facemask calls "using any part of a player’s helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/“hairline” parts) or facemask to butt, spear, or ram an opponent violently or unnecessarily" a 15 yard unnecessary roughness penalty.What the players and coaches have to say about the matter really doesn't matter either. On questionable plays you often have players on both sides of the issue throwing there feelings and opinions out there. Since each and every person has a different definition of what a "dirty" play is, it doesn't seem realistic to rely on their opinions, especially considering that most players asked for their opinion on the matter will have a personal stake in what answer they give, regardless of which side of fence they are on.

There should have been a flag. Saying that the play must be legal because there was no flag is kinda silly, isn't it? The refs blow calls all the time. The NFL fines players for illegal hits where there was no flag on the actual play with regularity. Looking at the rule, I really don't see how anyone can argue that the hit (and maybe even both hits, if you really want to be a stickler) was legal. You launch yourself into the air and hit a guy with your helmet, regardless if it was helmet to helmet, it's an illegal hit.

I never even came close to saying that it must be legal if there was no flag, in fact I think I made it clear with the bolded part of my post. My main contention has always been that Q getting hit from behind made the hit into h2h that wasn't intended and possibly would've not happened at all. Whether or not the rules allow for some review of the hit to determine if there were extenuating circumstances (like the hit from behind). Seemed to me that Smith was trying to raise his arms for a more "legal" hit and the pinball prevented that and made it into a h2h.

My point about other players. coaches and reporters (and the non flag) was in response to all the people calling it undebateable, horrific, despicable and all the other adjectives about it that were over the top. If it was so bad, why is not one person saying so? Of course it isn't a realistic measure, but if it's so bad as some here claim, I would think that at least one person outside of a Cards fan would say so publicly.

I'm up in the air for if there will be a fine. I think if you want to be a stickler then you can't fine him because there's no way to know if the hit would've been h2h had Boldin not been hit from behind. There have been plenty of injury hits that have gone unfined. EJ Henderson on Hasselbeck, Kimo on Palmer, some Niner on Payne, the hit on Brady etc... and most of those involved a third player influencing the motion of one oft he two players involved which is clearly what happened here.

I do appreciate actual facts and a decent argument being presented into this discussion, but I disagree that it was a cheap shot. Even if it gets fined I believe it will be because they deem it a dangerous play and not because it was cheap or dirty. But the pinballing makes it unfair to Smith to assign a dirty label on him.

He was speared. Your emphasis on this pinballing nonsense misses the greater point that Smith was already launching himself head first towards Boldin's head. It's a clear rules violation, and I am not understanding your resistance to what is plainly obvious to everyone else.Hopefully, when the NFL whacks him with a fine, you will no longer be "up in the air" with this.

 

[cobalt_27]

Late in the fourth quarter, Boldin went airborne attempting to catch a touchdown pass, but was hit from behind from Jets FS Kerry Rhodes, causing his head to snap forward, and then — almost simultaneously — was hit in the front by SS Eric Smith and Boldin’s head snapped backwards.

If it's so apparent, horrific and not even debateable, why is NO ONE (outside of AZ locals) mentioning it in their stories/writeups?

Because it is irrelevant to Smith's intent--as witnessed before the head snapped forward--that he was head-hunting. Unfortunate for Boldin that his head did take an aspect forward and, perhaps, contributed to his altered mental status. But, that does nothing to change the fact about the trajectory Smith took to spear Boldin. He will be fined and possibly suspended for this. As he should be.

 

[Otis]

Otis is a die hard Dolpin fan, he hates the Jets, and his opinions in this thread have little credibilty, lacking any kind of objectivity t all. His posts are best ignored on any subject concerning the Jets... and maybe the Phins too.

Could you be more clueless? I have zero interest in the Dolphins. I live in NY and root for the Jets. "Sharks" indeed...

I almost believe that,,,, but I've seen too many of your posts.

No. You haven't.

 

[Otis]

I'll wager a fine is forthcoming. Not even debatable to anyone that is not a hayseed IMO

Let's not start making sense in here now.

 

[Silver & Black]

I didn't read much of the infantile posts in this thread, but I can't believe there is any debate about whether the hit that caused the injury was illegal.

I was watching the game and saw it live and I immediately knew the hit was illegal. Dude, the guy left his feet and launched into Boldin, head to freaking head. That hit is the definition of what the rule is intended to protect against.

I would be very surprised if he doesn't get suspended for a game, or maybe more. IMO, he certainly should be. Heat of the moment or no, that hit was intended to hurt the WR, not tackle him.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Did Kimo get fined when he took out Carson Palmer's leg?

nope.

Notes: NFL won't fine hitBy GEOFF HOBSONJanuary 9, 2006The NFL won't fine Steelers defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen for his hit on Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer in Sunday's AFC Wild Card Game. Steve Alic of the league office said Monday night that the ruling is von Oelhoffen didn't have an unrestricted path to the quarterback.Working off a block of left guard Eric Steinbach on the Bengals' second snap of the game, von Oelhoffen stumbled and then crashed into Palmer's left knee, knocking him out of the game with a torn anterior cruciate ligament."It was reviewed and it was ruled he did not have an unrestricted path," Alic said. "He was coming off a block. He was thrown off the block. The path wasn't clear."

 

[Otis]

I didn't read much of the infantile posts in this thread, but I can't believe there is any debate about whether the hit that caused the injury was illegal.I was watching the game and saw it live and I immediately knew the hit was illegal. Dude, the guy left his feet and launched into Boldin, head to freaking head. That hit is the definition of what the rule is intended to protect against.I would be very surprised if he doesn't get suspended for a game, or maybe more. IMO, he certainly should be. Heat of the moment or no, that hit was intended to hurt the WR, not tackle him.

I don't think you're convincing Mad Sweeney, sorry.

 

[TLEF316]

Big Jets fan, but Smith should be fined and suspended for a game. Heat of the moment i know, but that was a bad hit.

And The Cardinals should have taken a knee after that.

 

[Verbal Kint]

Otis is a die hard Dolpin fan, he hates the Jets, and his opinions in this thread have little credibilty, lacking any kind of objectivity t all. His posts are best ignored on any subject concerning the Jets... and maybe the Phins too.

Could you be more clueless? I have zero interest in the Dolphins. I live in NY and root for the Jets. "Sharks" indeed...

I almost believe that,,,, but I've seen too many of your posts.

No. You haven't.

 

[Broadway Joe]

I'll wager a fine is forthcoming. Not even debatable to anyone that is not a hayseed IMO

Hayseed? Okay. Are you saying that there's no chance that the NFL deems it was accidental given the odd circumstances of players being pinballed around? Did Kimo get fined when he took out Carson Palmer's leg? I'm asking because I don't know. Can a player get fined even if the league determines it was accidental? It was certainly violent. Vicious even, but I don't know that intent can be established here. Yes, he was looking for a big hit, but I don't think it was necessarily with the intent to purposefully injure. As far as we know the intent was to knock the ball out.After seeing Julian Peterson get fined for "pointing to his name on the back of his jersey" after making a sack, I'm not surprised by anything that the NFL deems is fine worthy. Oddly enough, I've noticed this self name-pointing thing a lot lately. I haven't researched whether or not more fines were issued for the same thing.

I think there is "zero chance" he does not get fined. Intent determined or accidental act, are you kidding me. Intent does not matter and a player is responsible for his actions.I dont think there was malacious intent to injury Boldin much as a drunk driver does not intend to hit things with the car.I am no rules maven but its pretty well-known that you cant lead with head, spear, etc.Arugments trying to justify the hit are moronic in my view but to each his own As for bookworm boy searching for non-ARZ homers saying it was illegal, one of the announcers said something to the affect that 'the NFL needs to clean this up" Billick or O-line guy I think.

 

[[icon]]

Otis is a die hard Dolpin fan, he hates the Jets, and his opinions in this thread have little credibilty, lacking any kind of objectivity t all. His posts are best ignored on any subject concerning the Jets... and maybe the Phins too.

Could you be more clueless? I have zero interest in the Dolphins. I live in NY and root for the Jets. "Sharks" indeed...

I almost believe that,,,, but I've seen too many of your posts.

Have you lost your mind?

 

[[icon]]

I'll wager a fine is forthcoming. Not even debatable to anyone that is not a hayseed IMO

Still waiting for that magic explanation why it was illegal other than "it was". It further seems to me that if it was such a horrific cheap shot that there would be at least one player or coach saying something about it. Instead the only report about players said that they didn't think it was a cheap shot (see post above for quote) and there was no flag for what you claim isn't even debateable (not that refs are anywhere near perfect).

Goodell on Wednesday sent a memo to each team warning that even first-time offenders face disciplinary action for "any conduct that unnecessarily risks the safety of other players."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed that Goodell's memo put the teams on alert over the issue of safety.

"From this point forward, you should be clear on the following point: Any conduct that unnecessarily risks the safety of other players has no role in the game of football and will be disciplined at increased levels, including on a first offense," Goodell wrote in the memo. "Playing by the rules shows respect for your fellow players. No one wants to see unnecessary injuries."

The directive from Goodell came one day after the league suspended Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Elbert Mack one game without pay for one game for his second flagrant violation of player safety rules this season.

On a interception last Sunday, Mack launched himself into Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan and made aggressive helmet-to-helmet contact.

Ray Anderson, NFL executive vice president of football operations, issued the suspension which will sideline Mack for the Buccaneers' game at the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

"Your actions are of particular concern in light of the emphasis that our office has placed on developing and enforcing rules designed to protect players from injury, including concussions," Anderson said in a letter to Mack. "The safety of our players is paramount to all of us in the NFL."

A warning from Goodell just a few days agoLeading with the helmet in the NFL like that is illegal. There will be penalties coming from this....

 

[Enforcer]

His intent doesn't really matter.

I agree that the intent doesn't matter when possibly assessing a fine, but can you address some of the comments in this thread? Was it despicable? Was it malicious? Those are all about intent.

 

[Enforcer]

Did Kimo get fined when he took out Carson Palmer's leg?

nope.

Notes: NFL won't fine hitBy GEOFF HOBSONJanuary 9, 2006The NFL won't fine Steelers defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen for his hit on Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer in Sunday's AFC Wild Card Game. Steve Alic of the league office said Monday night that the ruling is von Oelhoffen didn't have an unrestricted path to the quarterback.Working off a block of left guard Eric Steinbach on the Bengals' second snap of the game, von Oelhoffen stumbled and then crashed into Palmer's left knee, knocking him out of the game with a torn anterior cruciate ligament."It was reviewed and it was ruled he did not have an unrestricted path," Alic said. "He was coming off a block. He was thrown off the block. The path wasn't clear."

Thanks for finding this. Appreciate it.

 

[Enforcer]

Smith lowered his head, led with his helmet and left his feet.

I've watched it several times now. Again and again. Smith didn't lower his head. They ended up facemask to facemask. We were all taught that from a young age. See what you're going to hit. He did.I guess I'm done here. I understand why the NFL will fine him. At this point its beyond question because its been made into such a big deal by people reacting on message boards. However, I don't see this is as dirty, malicious, or despicable. Those words are coming from overly emotional reaction to something that was just awful. Its the NFL. Big dudes moving pretty fast. Collisions are bound to happen with bad results. Regardless of what folks here say and think I don't see his league mates holding this against him. He's not going to garner a reputation from this singular play.

 

[H.K.]

Otis is a die hard Dolpin fan, he hates the Jets, and his opinions in this thread have little credibilty, lacking any kind of objectivity t all. His posts are best ignored on any subject concerning the Jets... and maybe the Phins too.

Could you be more clueless? I have zero interest in the Dolphins. I live in NY and root for the Jets. "Sharks" indeed...

I almost believe that,,,, but I've seen too many of your posts.

Have you lost your mind?

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Smith lowered his head, led with his helmet and left his feet.

I've watched it several times now. Again and again. Smith didn't lower his head. They ended up facemask to facemask. We were all taught that from a young age. See what you're going to hit. He did.I guess I'm done here. I understand why the NFL will fine him. At this point its beyond question because its been made into such a big deal by people reacting on message boards. However, I don't see this is as dirty, malicious, or despicable. Those words are coming from overly emotional reaction to something that was just awful. Its the NFL. Big dudes moving pretty fast. Collisions are bound to happen with bad results. Regardless of what folks here say and think I don't see his league mates holding this against him. He's not going to garner a reputation from this singular play.

This whole discussion is like when theres a car accident viewed by 5 different people yet when asked what happened you get 5 different versions and none have the same details...pointless to some degree

 

[Reaper]

As a Jets fan, actually as a Football fan, I've gotta say that Hit was Horrendous....

When I saw it live I thought Smith had to be going for the ball - When I saw the replay it looked like He just ran across the field with his head down and certainly led with the helmet...

I wouldn't be surprised to see a suspension of some sort, myself..

Rhodes shouldn't even be in the discusssion.

ETA: Oh, and I don't think he intentionally wanted to maim someone - I think he's a marginal player that wanted to make a highlight type football hit and did the best he could. He wanted to put an exclamation point on the game.

 

[B-Deep]

Smith lowered his head, led with his helmet and left his feet.

I've watched it several times now. Again and again. Smith didn't lower his head. They ended up facemask to facemask. We were all taught that from a young age. See what you're going to hit. He did.I guess I'm done here. I understand why the NFL will fine him. At this point its beyond question because its been made into such a big deal by people reacting on message boards. However, I don't see this is as dirty, malicious, or despicable. Those words are coming from overly emotional reaction to something that was just awful. Its the NFL. Big dudes moving pretty fast. Collisions are bound to happen with bad results. Regardless of what folks here say and think I don't see his league mates holding this against him. He's not going to garner a reputation from this singular play.

you are seeing something different than most peopleno reason to debate it, you see something entirely different.

 

[culdeus]

Just watched the clips on this. Anyone who thinks this was clean or doesn't deserve punishment is either a homer or just a troll. You allow this and you'll have players going off in body bags before long. Multi-game suspension and huge fine is in order.

 

[wudaben]

I'm thinking that after the league fines them for the hit that they need to award my team the extra 8.5 points it lost on the play!!!

 

[nzranger]

anything out yet Monday on how Boldin is doing?from the Breaston thread, source unknown

As of Sunday evening, all medical tests performed on Anquan Boldin (head) at Mt. Sinai in New York were negative. He was to be released from the hospital and make the team flight home to Arizona."The tests were all negative, which is great news, and it looks like he'll be heading back with us tonight," said club president Michael Bidwill. It doesn't sound like Boldin's injury is season-threatening, or that he needed a procedure of any sort. We wouldn't count on seeing him in Week 5, though

 

[Ghost Rider]

How can anyone argue that that hit wasn't illegal? Not to sound dramatic , but clowns like that who lead with their helmet resulting in awful injuries should be kicked out of the league.

 

[Stillers Jr.]

2 things...

#1 I always thought that it was illegal to lead with the crown of your helmet. The tackler hits facemask to face mask, no? or am i blind.

#2 if "leading with your helmet" is punishable by a fine and suspension, Brian Dawkins would never play another game...

 

[Enforcer]

Just watched the clips on this. Anyone who thinks this was clean or doesn't deserve punishment is either a homer or just a troll. You allow this and you'll have players going off in body bags before long. Multi-game suspension and huge fine is in order.

I don't think "clean" is the right word here. Unfortunate is probably a better word. If we're going to stand up and cheer when a player makes a huge hit we have to accept that there's a gray area between an acceptable big hit and what becomes an unfortunate possible injury. How big is the gray area?Does our world have to be so black and white. Is it either entirely clean or entirely deserving of punishment?

 

[Steady Mooobin]

Stopped reading about half way through page two, but I don't think it was an intentional illegal hit. The guy on the right (Smith) was pretty far away at the time the ball was getting to Anquan. He was trying to break up the play and the other defender hit Bolden into Smith.

Unfortunate, but hardy the cheap disgusting hit people seem to be saying it was.

No fine.

 

[GoldenBear]

Chiming here as someone who is neither a Cardinal nor a Jets fan (and someone who doesn't own Boldin).

From what I saw, it was a hard hit, but the defender was trying to break up a pass play in the endzone. If I were a coach and I saw him ease off on a receiver trying to make a TD catch because he was afraid the guy might get injured, I would have benched his ###.

Was it really unfortunate? Certainly. Was is a dirty cheap shot? Not at all.

 

[The Man with the Plan]

Anquan Boldin got Jacked Up.

 

[JuSt CuZ]

BY THE RULES OF THE GAME IT WAS A CHEAP SHOT!!!

END OF STORY!!!

THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A FLAG!!!