Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson’s hip-drop tackle technique that led to Ravens tight end Mark Andrews’ season-ending injury has sparked controversy in the NFL. In Thursday night’s game, Andrews suffered a serious ankle injury when Wilson took him down from behind using the legal but controversial hip-drop tackle.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh expressed his frustration with Wilson’s tackle technique, questioning whether it was necessary and citing another instance where Wilson used the same technique to take down Lamar Jackson near the sideline. Harbaugh indicated that the Ravens will send those plays to the league office for further review.
The hip-drop tackle, in which a defender grabs the ball carrier, swings or rotates his body, and then drops his body weight onto the ball carrier’s legs, has been a topic of debate in the NFL. While some rugby leagues have banned the hip-drop tackle, it remains legal in football. The NFL has considered banning the hip-drop tackle, but as of now, there hasn’t been a proposal that has gained significant support from the players and the teams.
The NFL Players Association has opposed banning hip-drop tackles, arguing that it would put defensive players in an impossible position. The league will continue to look at it, but for now, the controversy surrounding the hip-drop tackle persists. As Andrews faces a lengthy recovery, the debate over the legality and safety of the hip-drop tackle in the NFL continues.