Should James Harrison Be Suspended (1 Viewer)

[Bird]

Harrison is definitely in line for another fine for that helmet to helmet blast to McCoy. Watching the play, there really was no reason to hit high. He wasn't blocked into the player and the player didn't duck. Harrison came in, full steam and went for the head when the midsection was available. Normally, we'd see a fine for the perpetrator but Harrison is a multi-repeat offender. The NFL has said discipline for these hits will be progressive. Is it time for the NFL to stand up and make a statement by suspending the poster-child for helmet to helmet contact or does the NFL continue to fine players thousands of dollars when they are making millions?

 

[BassNBrew]

Voted no but wouldn't be upset if they sat him for a game. There was no reason for that hit given the new guidelines/rules. That said, I don't think it was a real dirty play and he/McCoy appearred to be cool later in the game.

 

[belljr]

I know this will sound Homer but at first I thought it was so cheap, then I rewatched and while was definitely no business doint it but it wasn't "as bad" as I initially thought.

I will say Harrison's explanation is either going to really hurt his case or really help it.

 

[Area51Inhabitant]

The penalty and the subsequent hefty fine he'll face is punishment enough imo. It was a hard hit but I didn't see him launch himself like the Massaquoi hit.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

these guys are going at beakneck speed. colt mccoy was doing a 'jump throw'. You can't really delineate his chest from his head in a tenth of a second.Plus he was scrambling out of the pocket before the throw which makes him a running back for all intents and purposes. Yeah it was helmet to helmet. some charity will get 25-50k donated by Harrison but now way in hell is he getting suspended.

 

[Da Guru]

The call was roughing the passer. Totally incorrect. McCoy was outside the pocket and appeared to be running..then at the last second dumped the ball. Harrision had to assume he was running.

 

[RoyGBiv]

Suspension. From one of the angles I saw (camera behind Harrison at almost ground level), it was clear that he went in late with the clear intention of trying to hurt him. If it wasn't so late, then it would be a question of helmet-to-helmet, so maybe then just a hefty fine would suffice.

I probably can't define what is crossing the line....but I know it when I see it.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

the call was for helmet to helmet. out of the pocket had the hit been dead in the chest he'd have not gotten a penalty.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Suspension. From one of the angles I saw (camera behind Harrison at almost ground level), it was clear that he went in late with the clear intention of trying to hurt him. If it wasn't so late, then it would be a question of helmet-to-helmet, so maybe then just a hefty fine would suffice.

I probably can't define what is crossing the line....but I know it when I see it.

Potter Stewart, is that you?

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Harrison is definitely in line for another fine for that helmet to helmet blast to McCoy. Watching the play, there really was no reason to hit high. He wasn't blocked into the player and the player didn't duck. Harrison came in, full steam and went for the head when the midsection was available. Normally, we'd see a fine for the perpetrator but Harrison is a multi-repeat offender. The NFL has said discipline for these hits will be progressive. Is it time for the NFL to stand up and make a statement by suspending the poster-child for helmet to helmet contact or does the NFL continue to fine players thousands of dollars when they are making millions?

you forget that colt mccoy is really short

 

[Bird]

Harrison is definitely in line for another fine for that helmet to helmet blast to McCoy. Watching the play, there really was no reason to hit high. He wasn't blocked into the player and the player didn't duck. Harrison came in, full steam and went for the head when the midsection was available. Normally, we'd see a fine for the perpetrator but Harrison is a multi-repeat offender. The NFL has said discipline for these hits will be progressive. Is it time for the NFL to stand up and make a statement by suspending the poster-child for helmet to helmet contact or does the NFL continue to fine players thousands of dollars when they are making millions?

you forget that colt mccoy is really short

Here's the play-by play:1st and 10 at CLE 44 C.McCoy pass short right to M.Massaquoi to PIT 44 for 12 yards (W.Gay).

1st and 10 at PIT 44 M.Hardesty right guard to PIT 39 for 5 yards (J.Farrior; J.Harrison).

2nd and 5 at PIT 39 C.McCoy pass short left to M.Hardesty to PIT 34 for 5 yards (I.Taylor) [J.Harrison]. CLV-C.McCoy was injured during the play. CLV-A.Smith was injured during the play. PENALTY on PIT-J.Harrison, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards, enforced at PIT 34.

So it was roughing the passer. Harrison is a repeat offender who is not responding to fines. It's time for him to be suspended and lose a $225,000 game check. Furthermore, it will show that the NFL means business as they will be suspending a high profile player in the middle of a playoff race where his team is fighting for seeding anywhere from #1 to #5.

 

[Ghost Rider]

While McCoy lowering his head made it worse than it could have been, Harrison still lowered and led with his helmet right before the moment of impact, so fines are clearly not affecting him. Time to suspend him and make him get the message that way.

 

[belljr]

Harrison semi admitted to head hunting. He said since he was out of the pocket and attempting to run he was free game, that's how he understood the rule

 

[treat88]

Out of the pocket and attempting to advance the ball....Colt was a runner at that point.

It is not illegal to go helmet to helmet on a runner. If that were Hills or Og we wouldn't even have seen a flag.

In todays NFL I am guessing he gets a fine for sure, but damn..... defensive players are really in a no win position.

QB in the pocket in the act of throwing...sure you can avoid the helmet. Defenseless receiver, its tougher but you can try to lower your target zone. But a ball carrier coming head on at those speeds, often times lowering their own helmet? I just think the defender has to be able to make the tackle without worrying about helmets colliding.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

No he should not be suspended. Fined, sure but not suspended. It's not as brutal as folks make it out to be.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Out of the pocket and attempting to advance the ball....Colt was a runner at that point.It is not illegal to go helmet to helmet on a runner. If that were Hills or Og we wouldn't even have seen a flag.In todays NFL I am guessing he gets a fine for sure, but damn..... defensive players are really in a no win position.QB in the pocket in the act of throwing...sure you can avoid the helmet. Defenseless receiver, its tougher but you can try to lower your target zone. But a ball carrier coming head on at those speeds, often times lowering their own helmet? I just think the defender has to be able to make the tackle without worrying about helmets colliding.

Yeah, it IS illegal to go helmet to helmet on a runner. You can't lead with the crown of your helmet into another player's helmet. Period.He won't be suspended, but he should be. The Steelers should get fined as well since they clearly aren't teaching their guys what is and isn't legal.

 

[Bird]

No he should not be suspended. Fined, sure but not suspended. It's not as brutal as folks make it out to be.

I'm not stating that the hit was brutal. My question pertains to this repeat offender who is breaking the same rule over and over again. If you don't suspend Harrison for hits like these then how will the NFL justify ever suspending a player for helmet to helmet contact within the context of a play.

 

[Statcruncher]

Suspend him. He's clearly proven he has no desire to stop helmet to helmet hits even though the NFL has changed. If it were facemask to facemask it would bother me less, but Harrison clearly lowers his helmet and spears with the crown right before contact.

Great player, but an idiot. I wish he'd clean his game up and become a poster child for the NFL instead of against it.

 

[cheese]

The hit itself deserves a fine, but not a suspension. However, if you want to suspend Harrison due to his status as a constant repeat offender, that makes sense too.

 

[Godsbrother]

No he should not be suspended. Fined, sure but not suspended. It's not as brutal as folks make it out to be.

I'm not stating that the hit was brutal. My question pertains to this repeat offender who is breaking the same rule over and over again. If you don't suspend Harrison for hits like these then how will the NFL justify ever suspending a player for helmet to helmet contact within the context of a play.

Helmet-to-helmet contact during a play is not necessarily an infraction if it does not involve a player that is in a defenseless position. James Harrison said the following after the game: "From what I understand, once the quarterback leaves the pocket, he's considered a runner,” he said. “All the defenseless[ness] and liberties that a quarterback has in the pocket are gone and you can tackle him just as he's a running back. The hit wasn't late, so I really don't understand why it was called."

If you watch the replay below, at 0:11 McCoy is out of the pocket and was running with the ball tucked under his arm like a ball carrier. At 0:12 he throws the ball and is contacted by Harrison in that same second.

I think it is unreasonable of the league to expect a defender going full speed to make a determination in less than a second that a QB out of the pocket and running with the ball tucked under his arm is going to throw it AND have him alter his speed/trajectory accordingly.

link

Fine him if you want but IMO this does not warrant suspension.

 

[Shutout]

I think you have to suspend him due to repeat violations of the same rule. I really don't know how you can suspend a guy like Suh but not Harrison.

Several people have given their "yeah but" it was this and that and McCoy was really running and yada yada yada...but at the end of the day, the NFL has a rule that says you can NOT do this and Harrison has now done it three times since they announced the policy. That is a series of repeated violations.

Most every other player in the league gets it. there is no excuse why Harrison does not. Even Julian Eddelman, an offensive guy that plays part time of defense, has been making absolute textbook tackles (seriously, he should be the poster boy on a clean defensive tackle in some of his tackles). So, a lifelong defensive guy SHOULD be able to play by the rules too.

 

[Godsbrother]

I really don't know how you can suspend a guy like Suh but not Harrison.

What Suh did to get suspended is not even close to being the same as Harrison's hit on McCoy.

 

[proninja]

I think they should stop the game and let two players who weren't even on the field at the time have a fistfight at midfield. It's the only way to keep the players safe. /hockeyfans

 

[Wadsworth]

He should be suspended for after having been fined repeatedly and still not understanding the rule.

 

[Wadsworth]

I really don't know how you can suspend a guy like Suh but not Harrison.

What Suh did to get suspended is not even close to being the same as Harrison's hit on McCoy.

That is true, Harrison's hit has much more potential to cause serious and long term injury than what Suh did. Also, the Suh kicking seemed much more reactionary while Harrison obviously intentionally tries to headhunt. It is so nice to see a reasonable view from a Steeler fan.

 

[NJ]

This is still football right? McCoy took off running. I don't even like Harrison and I don't see anyway in hell he should be suspended for that.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Out of the pocket and attempting to advance the ball....Colt was a runner at that point.

It is not illegal to go helmet to helmet on a runner. If that were Hills or Og we wouldn't even have seen a flag.

In todays NFL I am guessing he gets a fine for sure, but damn..... defensive players are really in a no win position.

QB in the pocket in the act of throwing...sure you can avoid the helmet. Defenseless receiver, its tougher but you can try to lower your target zone. But a ball carrier coming head on at those speeds, often times lowering their own helmet? I just think the defender has to be able to make the tackle without worrying about helmets colliding.

Yeah, it IS illegal to go helmet to helmet on a runner. You can't lead with the crown of your helmet into another player's helmet. Period.He won't be suspended, but he should be. The Steelers should get fined as well since they clearly aren't teaching their guys what is and isn't legal.

Incorrect.

 

[HULLOBUDMAN]

Earlier in the game, Mendenhall went up the middle of the line and got crushed H2H by Gocong. Mayock talked about the fact that a RUNNER did not have protection from H2H collisions.

Colt McCoy was out of the pocket and acting like a runner. IMO the fact that he pulled up and threw the ball or the position he is listed at should not change that ruling. At that point, McCoy was a runner.

Although it was a brutal hit, I don't believe he should have been flagged much less fined or suspended although I think he will be fined and/or suspended.

I am not a Steeler fan or a "they are turning this into a (little kitty)'s game" apologist. I just don't think the circumstances warrant this discussion.

 

[Louisville Slugger]

Harrison is trying to hurt people.

 

[Shutout]

I really don't know how you can suspend a guy like Suh but not Harrison.

What Suh did to get suspended is not even close to being the same as Harrison's hit on McCoy.

It doesn't matter if he stole a stick of gum or stole the U.S. Constitution (degree of the infraction does not matter), it's still the same. He, like Suh, made multiple violations of a rule and therefore is subject to being penalized. So why WOULDN'T Harrison get penalized further? What Suh repeatedly did was what we say is "uncalled for" or "dirty". What Harrison repeatedly does is THE INFRACTION that the NFL has put an enormous amount of energy into to remove for the game for the purpose of player Safety. If anything, Harrison should be subject to more punishment instead of less because what Suh does just looks nasty or, at most, may cause a temprorary physical injury. What harrison does may end careers, cause long-term mental issues, or get people killed. Now, I'm not saying that is the stark intention of if, but IT IS the kind of risks that have spurred the NFL to go after this so hard.If you cheat and use drugs, you lose 25% of the season, automatically. I can see a lot of people getting behind a more strict punishment for multiple infractions that pose severe injury risk as time goes by and once it has been long implied that these things can simply not be allowed. This is serious stuff. Look at Sid Crosby. That is a young man in a SERIOUS situation now. His career is in jeopardy and his long-term health in question. Its bad enough to have these things occur randomly in your life. It is outright inexcuseable to allow it as part of the game.Its really quite simple if you can take off your black and gold colored glasses. If you told your kid not to kick the dog or else the penalty was he could only have 90% of his dessert but he did it anyway...twice...how long is it going to be before you decide "The kid's not getting that I am serious about the rule" and you go to a higher progressive step of discipline?

 

[Godsbrother]

Harrison is trying to hurt people.

Professional football has been about men wanting to hurt other men since 1920. You and Roger may not like it but violence is part of the game and they will never be able to legislate it out the league whether you fine or suspend players. What they should do is invest more money into the development of better equipment and clarify the rules to eliminate gray areas like when a player is or is not a defenseless player. It makes no sense to penalize/fine/suspend a player for helmet-to-helmet contact on a QB running outside the pocket and not do the same for a RB in that same situation.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Harrison is trying to hurt people.

If you are playing LB in the NFL, likely you are trying to make every hit hurt. That's different than trying to injure somebody. If you are trying to unload on a runner (including a QB out of the pocket or a WR after posession is established), you will usually aim center mass, meaning your centerline on theirs. Odds are, you will miss by a bit making a nice shoulder hit, otherwise a part of the helmed contacts first, usually glancing off and occasionally landing like a hammer head. As long as it is the crown or facemask and not the top of the helmet, nobody calls it illegal or spearing.ETA- I AM a Steeler fan, and love the way they play physical defense, but I will quickly admit that Harrison strikes me as neither nice nor a role-model and probably will and should be fined based on his history. I also think he gets a worse rap than he deserves, much like Suh who I enjoy watching but needs to tone down some of his tackles and I strongly support his punishment for his last transgression.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

I really don't know how you can suspend a guy like Suh but not Harrison.

What Suh did to get suspended is not even close to being the same as Harrison's hit on McCoy.

It doesn't matter if he stole a stick of gum or stole the U.S. Constitution (degree of the infraction does not matter), it's still the same. He, like Suh, made multiple violations of a rule and therefore is subject to being penalized.Its really quite simple if you can take off your black and gold colored glasses. If you told your kid not to kick the dog or else the penalty was he could only have 90% of his dessert but he did it anyway...twice...how long is it going to be before you decide "The kid's not getting that I am serious about the rule" and you go to a higher progressive step of discipline?

you have some kind of mailing list I can subscribe to?

 

[geoff8695]

Earlier in the game, Mendenhall went up the middle of the line and got crushed H2H by Gocong. Mayock talked about the fact that a RUNNER did not have protection from H2H collisions.

Colt McCoy was out of the pocket and acting like a runner. IMO the fact that he pulled up and threw the ball or the position he is listed at should not change that ruling. At that point, McCoy was a runner.

Although it was a brutal hit, I don't believe he should have been flagged much less fined or suspended although I think he will be fined and/or suspended.

I am not a Steeler fan or a "they are turning this into a (little kitty)'s game" apologist. I just don't think the circumstances warrant this discussion.

Was listening to Mike & Mike arguing different sides of this argument earlier this morning. Golic was of this opinion and arguing that Harrison shouldn't be disciplined.However, someone on their staff provided Golic with the NFL rules that address this situation. It states something to the effect that "any player in the act of throwing the football is considered to be in a 'defenseless' position, and is considered to be protected from head-to-head contact, regardless of whether or not he is in the pocket."

After that the argument pretty much ended, and Golic agreed that Harrison violated the letter of the law...

 

[Ghost Rider]

Helmet-to-helmet contact during a play is not necessarily an infraction if it does not involve a player that is in a defenseless position.

James Harrison said the following after the game: "From what I understand, once the quarterback leaves the pocket, he's considered a runner,” he said. “All the defenseless[ness] and liberties that a quarterback has in the pocket are gone and you can tackle him just as he's a running back. The hit wasn't late, so I really don't understand why it was called."

I am pretty sure Harrison still doesn't understand the rule.

 

[Cookiemonster]

(g) If a player uses any part of his helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/”hairline” parts) or

facemask to butt, spear, or ram an opponent violently or unnecessarily.

That rule applies to everyone, not just defenseless players.In fact, the pertinent aspect of that part of the rule was even more clear in the 2010 rulebook:

Although such violent or unnecessary use of the helmet and facemask is impermissible against any opponent, game officials will give special attention in administering this rule to protecting those players who are in virtually defenseless postures . . .

Show me an example of the last time that was called a penalty other than a "defensiveless" player ie a QB passing or a WR catching. NFL, CFL, NCAA or High School. I don't recall one. Last time I even heard an on-field warning was in pop-warner over 20 years ago.

 

[Godsbrother]

I really don't know how you can suspend a guy like Suh but not Harrison.

What Suh did to get suspended is not even close to being the same as Harrison's hit on McCoy.

It doesn't matter if he stole a stick of gum or stole the U.S. Constitution (degree of the infraction does not matter), it's still the same. He, like Suh, made multiple violations of a rule and therefore is subject to being penalized.

With your logic Steelers OG Chris Kemoeatu should be suspended for life for his multiple offensive holding violations (an idea that I think most Steelers fans would applaud).The question is whether or not Harrison's hit on Colt McCoy was even a violation of the rules. The official rule book contains at Rule 12, Section 2, Article 13(8) the rules that protect a quarterback when out of the pocket. However the rule clearly state that the protections only apply as long as he is not attempting to advance the ball as a runner.When McCoy left the pocket he tucked the ball under his arm and looked like he attempting to advance the ball as a runner. I don't know if the fact that he did throw the ball a split second before he got hit comes into play or not. Apparently the officiating crew last night thought so but the league office regularly reviews and clarifies calls made by officials on game day.The fact that the hit occurred within two seconds of McCoy changing from a running position to throwing the ball makes me think there is enough gray area that Harrison is going to get fined by the league but not suspended.

 

[Godsbrother]

(g) If a player uses any part of his helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/”hairline” parts) or

facemask to butt, spear, or ram an opponent violently or unnecessarily.

That rule applies to everyone, not just defenseless players.In fact, the pertinent aspect of that part of the rule was even more clear in the 2010 rulebook:

Although such violent or unnecessary use of the helmet and facemask is impermissible against any opponent, game officials will give special attention in administering this rule to protecting those players who are in virtually defenseless postures . . .

Show me an example of the last time that was called a penalty other than a "defensiveless" player ie a QB passing or a WR catching. NFL, CFL, NCAA or High School. I don't recall one. Last time I even heard an on-field warning was in pop-warner over 20 years ago.

Running backs receive helmet-to-helmet hits many times in the course of the game, so do linemen and LBs.

 

[moondog]

Helmet-to-helmet contact during a play is not necessarily an infraction if it does not involve a player that is in a defenseless position.

James Harrison said the following after the game: "From what I understand, once the quarterback leaves the pocket, he's considered a runner,” he said. “All the defenseless[ness] and liberties that a quarterback has in the pocket are gone and you can tackle him just as he's a running back. The hit wasn't late, so I really don't understand why it was called."

I am pretty sure Harrison still doesn't understand the rule.

I think a lot of players would agree with Harrison's understanding of the rule.

 

[geoff8695]

With your logic Steelers OG Chris Kemoeatu should be suspended for life for his multiple offensive holding violations (an idea that I think most Steelers fans would applaud).

The question is whether or not Harrison's hit on Colt McCoy was even a violation of the rules. The official rule book contains at Rule 12, Section 2, Article 13(8) the rules that protect a quarterback when out of the pocket. However the rule clearly state that the protections only apply as long as he is not attempting to advance the ball as a runner.

When McCoy left the pocket he tucked the ball under his arm and looked like he attempting to advance the ball as a runner. I don't know if the fact that he did throw the ball a split second before he got hit comes into play or not. Apparently the officiating crew last night thought so but the league office regularly reviews and clarifies calls made by officials on game day.

The fact that the hit occurred within two seconds of McCoy changing from a running position to throwing the ball makes me think there is enough gray area that Harrison is going to get fined by the league but not suspended.

Excerpted from NFL's OFFICIAL Player Safety Rules:

Hits on Defenseless Players

NFL rules provide special protection to defenseless players, by prohibiting (a) hits delivered to their head or neck area by an opponent with his helmet (including facemask), forearm, or shoulder, and (b) hits delivered by an opponent with his helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/"hairline" parts) against any part of the defenseless player's body (i.e., "butting, spearing, or ramming" a defenseless player.)

Defenseless players are defined as (a) a player in the act of or just after throwing a pass; (b) a receiver catching or attempting to catch a pass; © a runner already in the grasp of a tackler and whose forward progress has been stopped; (d) a kickoff or punt returner attempting to field a kick in the air; and (e) a player on the ground at the end of a play.

 

[Bird]

The more I watch the tape the worse it looks for Harrison. People should stop focusing on whether McCoy was a passer or a runner but rather on the "technique" of the tackle. Harrison has a running start towards the player and launches his helmet into McCoy's helmet. Harrison's head is down with the crown forward. There is nothing preventing Harrison from going into McCoy's midsection but instead he goes high. Also, when McCoy throws the ball he lifts his head so whatever target for tackling Harrison was using was higher than when his tackle started and he still smashed the helmet.

 

[geoff8695]

Harrison is dead to rights, he clearly violated the league's safety rules designed to protect players in what the rules consider to be a "defenseless posture", makes no difference if he hit McCoy with a helmet, a fist, or a wooden chair.

Only thing that remains to be seen is how stiff will the penalty be, considering Harrison is a poster child for violating this rule IMO...

I'm guessing his fine has a good chance to exceed 6 figures, but will be a little surprised if he gets a suspension.

 

[Statcruncher]

What they should do is invest more money into the development of better equipment

They've had this technology for years but the big money Riddell cartel keeps suppressing it.

 

[Addai's Adidas]

He needs to be suspended for at least two games. Everything they've done this far to penalize him has not worked. Shut him down.

 

[Sabertooth]

I thought he was retiring.

 

[Wadsworth]

These threads are always so ridiculous. Watch the video in slow motion, was he beyond the line of scrimmage, he tucked the ball 2 seconds earlier.... blah, blah, blah, blah.

Anyone who even casually follows football knows what it looks like when a player leads with the top of his helmet and tries to jack up the head of the other guy. It is obvious. We all know what happened on that play, Harrison saw he had a shot at McCoy's head and he took it. You can pick through the rule book all you want trying to find some gray area to hide behind, but the bottom line is that the NFL it trying to take that kind of hit out of the game and Harrison seems committed to continuing to look for that type of hit. Which means the NFL is going to be forced to up the level of punishment.

You might not like the direction Roger is taking the NFL, but he does seem committed to continuing on that path.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Helmet-to-helmet contact during a play is not necessarily an infraction if it does not involve a player that is in a defenseless position.

James Harrison said the following after the game: "From what I understand, once the quarterback leaves the pocket, he's considered a runner,” he said. “All the defenseless[ness] and liberties that a quarterback has in the pocket are gone and you can tackle him just as he's a running back. The hit wasn't late, so I really don't understand why it was called."

I am pretty sure Harrison still doesn't understand the rule.

I think a lot of players would agree with Harrison's understanding of the rule.

Then the players should do a better job of understanding the rules.The problem with a guy like Harrison is the way he talks and plays, you know he is going in for the kill shot, rather than just making the tackle, so any questionable hit he makes comes off as him once again trying to injure the opponent. The angle he had on McCoy last night, he could have easily made the tackle without lowering his helmet and hitting him the way he did, but, no, Harrison wants to hurt people, so he went for the kill shot again. I am not saying he is wrong per se, as plenty of other players go for kill shots on similar plays, but Harrison is so obvious about it, that he doesn't do himself any favors when it comes to deciding whether or not it was inadvertent.

 

[Comer]

Out of the pocket and attempting to advance the ball....Colt was a runner at that point.

It is not illegal to go helmet to helmet on a runner. If that were Hills or Og we wouldn't even have seen a flag.

In todays NFL I am guessing he gets a fine for sure, but damn..... defensive players are really in a no win position.

QB in the pocket in the act of throwing...sure you can avoid the helmet. Defenseless receiver, its tougher but you can

try to lower your target zone. But a ball carrier coming head on at those speeds, often times lowering their own helmet? I just think the defender has to be able to make the tackle without worrying about helmets colliding.

Yeah, it IS illegal to go helmet to helmet on a runner. You can't lead with the crown of your helmet into another player's helmet. Period.He won't be suspended, but he should be. The Steelers should get fined as well since they clearly aren't teaching their guys what is and isn't legal.

Incorrect.

Wow this poster must be new to football. You CAN'T go helmet to helmet on any player not just QB's. It's a fine everytime.

 

[The_Man]

These threads are always so ridiculous. Watch the video in slow motion, was he beyond the line of scrimmage, he tucked the ball 2 seconds earlier.... blah, blah, blah, blah.Anyone who even casually follows football knows what it looks like when a player leads with the top of his helmet and tries to jack up the head of the other guy. It is obvious. We all know what happened on that play, Harrison saw he had a shot at McCoy's head and he took it. You can pick through the rule book all you want trying to find some gray area to hide behind, but the bottom line is that the NFL it trying to take that kind of hit out of the game and Harrison seems committed to continuing to look for that type of hit. Which means the NFL is going to be forced to up the level of punishment. You might not like the direction Roger is taking the NFL, but he does seem committed to continuing on that path.

I'll go a step further and say that the changes Roger is trying to implement are starting to take hold. Yes, every now and then a DB still gets called for a totally clean, shoulder-to-chest hit, that seems to draw a flag simply because the hit seems "so hard" that the official figures there has to be a penalty. But I've never been all that big a fan of a DB jacking up a totally defenseless WR leaping for a ball, or someone on a kick return blindsiding a guy chasing a kick returner up the field. How tough is it to unload on a guy who isn't looking and doesn't know you're coming or have a chance to defend yourself? Give me an LB stepping up against a ball carrier in the hole, or a Fullback with a head of steam meeting that LB head-on, and that is an awesome collision.But players around the NFL are taking note and cutting back on the hits on defenseless opponents. Not Harrison, though. It seems he is just hard-wired to hunt and destroy. I think $100,000 fine but no suspension.

 

[beaux]

Harrison leads with his helmet. If when he tackles he leads with his shoulder, this wouldn't be even a question.