The NFL’s enforcement of the hip-drop tackle ban it put in place this offseason came under criticism from Texans running back Joe Mixon on Sunday night.
Mixon left his team’s win over the Bears to be treated for an ankle injury he suffered while being tackled by Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards in the third quarter of the game. It appeared to have the elements of a hip-drop tackle, but no flag was thrown and Mixon took issue with the league’s preference for disciplining infractions with fines rather than penalties.
“The NFL and NFLPA made it a rule and an emphasis for a reason,” Mixon wrote on X. “Time to put your money where your mouth is.”
Mixon was able to return to the game, although he only had one carry on seven snaps the rest of the way.
Mixon then wrote that he asked an official why there was no flag, he was told that the play did not violate the ban. Fines for Week Two will be announced next weekend and that will bring confirmation of whether or not the league feels Edwards’ tackle was an example of the hip-drop approach that was outlawed to protect against injuries like the one Mixon suffered on Sunday.
The Hip-Drop Tackle Controversy Explodes
On Sunday night, Texans running back Joe Mixon turned the spotlight on the NFL’s enforcement—or perhaps lack thereof—of the hip-drop tackle ban. Here’s what went down:
Mixon’s Painful Exit
In a dramatic third quarter moment, Mixon met Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards in a tackle that left fans biting their nails. The tackle had all the telltale signs of a hip-drop tackle, a newly-banned technique intended to protect players from injuries. But shockingly, no flag was thrown! Mixon, clearly frustrated, had to leave the game for treatment on his aching ankle.
A Player’s Fury
Back on the field with a vengeance, Mixon took to social media to air his grievances. "The NFL and NFLPA made it a rule and an emphasis for a reason," he blasted on X. “Time to put your money where your mouth is.”
Limping Back Into Action
Despite his injury, Mixon returned to the game, showing the heart of a lion, but only managed one carry in his remaining seven snaps. Talk about determination!
Official Response
Curious about the lack of a flag on the controversial play, Mixon took it up with an official, only to be told that the play didn’t violate the ban. Well, Week Two fines get announced next weekend, so the jury’s still out on whether the NFL sees things Mixon’s way or sticks with the official’s view.
Awaiting Week Two’s Verdict
The tension now shifts to next weekend when fines for Week Two are announced. It’ll be crunch time to see if the NFL tags Edward’s tackle as a forbidden hip-drop.
In the wild world of the NFL, every play and call can turn the tide. Stay tuned, folks, because this clash over the hip-drop tackle is just heating up!
