The NFL's new rule banning the hip-drop tackle has officially been put into play this season, and its enforcement has already become a topic of scrutiny. The rule, which imposes a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down on the defense, aims to mitigate the risks associated with one of the game's more dangerous tackling techniques. However, the NFL's officiating body has struggled to consistently enforce this rule through the first 31 games of the current season.
In the initial weeks, multiple instances of the banned tackle have been identified, but penalties have been scarce. For example, officials missed calls on at least two hip-drop tackles in Week 1, including an incident involving Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards. Although Edwards avoided a penalty during the game, he may still face a fine from the league for his action.
Impact on Player Safety
The hip-drop tackle is defined by the NFL as a foul occurring when a player grabs the runner with both hands or wraps the runner with both arms, unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, and lands on the runner's legs at or below the knee. This form of tackle poses significant risks of severe leg injuries that can sideline players for extended periods.
One player who may have fallen victim to the hip-drop tackle is Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon, who is currently dealing with an ankle injury that may have resulted from such a tackle. During Sunday's game, Mixon left the field with an ankle injury and was later listed as questionable to return. He did, however, make a comeback in the fourth quarter. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans commented on the situation: "Joe got rolled up. The guy's weight definitely came down on his ankle. Didn't look good from my view."
Mixon himself took to Twitter, expressing his frustration with the enforcement of the new rule: "The NFL and NFLPA made it a rule and an emphasis for a reason. Time to put your money where your mouth is."
Officiating Challenges
The NFL's officiating body has the crucial responsibility of enforcing all mandated safety measures throughout the game. However, inconsistencies in officiating not only undermine the rule's intention but also endanger player safety. If the officials fail to consistently apply the new rule, it compromises both the integrity of the game and the well-being of its players.
As the season progresses, everyone from players to coaches to fans will be keeping a close eye on how thoroughly the hip-drop tackle ban is upheld. Coach DeMeco Ryans echoed this sentiment, stating, "We'll evaluate Joe throughout the week. Hopefully, he's okay. Have to see the film and see if it was really a hip-drop tackle."
T.J. Edwards' missed penalty highlights a broader challenge for the NFL: while the rule is clear, making split-second decisions during high-speed plays can be complex for officials. Yet, the league must ensure that it remains steadfast in its commitment to player safety.
With the season still in its early stages, there is an opportunity for the NFL to address these early inconsistencies in enforcing the hip-drop tackle rule. The players' trust in the system and their safety on the field depend on it. As Joe Mixon awaits the results of his MRI, his case may serve as an important test for how the NFL will proceed in safeguarding its athletes moving forward.