The NFL’s recent ban on the hip drop tackle has generated controversy among fans and defensive players.
Critics argue that this rule change puts defensive players at a disadvantage, while supporters, including Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, believe it will help prevent serious injuries.
Harbaugh has been a vocal advocate for the ban ever since his tight end, Mark Andrews, suffered ligament damage and a fractured fibula from a hip drop tackle last season.
John Harbaugh: Defenders are going to be just fine without hip-drop tackles. https://t.co/eCmLlzxmcA
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 9, 2024
The NFL justified the ban by citing that the technique was used 230 times in the 2023 season, resulting in 15 players missing playing time.
This season, the hip drop will be penalized with a 15-yard penalty, similar to other dangerous tackles.
Harbaugh emphasizes the importance of proper tackling technique and points out that players have been effective without employing the hip drop for over a century.
Despite some opposition, the NFL remains committed to prioritizing player safety.
Fans reacted as follows.
Because the play they are actually referring to happens way less than people think. Using your weight to bring them down is fine, but swinging your hips so all of your weight lands on their knees/ankles is not.
— Nikos Ray (@NikosRay) April 9, 2024
How. No one e does a hip drop on purpose
— PhillyRed (@PhillyRed5) April 9, 2024
thank god. a modicum of integrity in the face of 6-5, 270 lb snowflakes crying about the rule change.
— Rogue Mahomes (козел) ✊🫵🤌 (@PatrickTrotsky) April 9, 2024
How many tackles did he ever make in the nfl ?
— David Speakman (@DavidSp11983858) April 9, 2024
