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| Steelers linebacker James Harrison was fined $75,000 for two vicious helmet-to-helmet hits against the Cleveland Browns |
One week after handing out humongous fines for helmet-to-helmet hits to multiple NFL defensive players and sending a warning to all teams that the league will crack down and suspend players who repeatedly break the rules, the NFL is patting themselves on the back after Sunday's games.
"We like to think we're off to a good start in terms of the new emphasis and the recognition that we are going to play aggressively but well within the rules," Ray Anderson, executive vice-president of football operations said. "It's a good start."
Anderson went out of his way to complement New England Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather, who concussed Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap with a brutal helmet-to-helmet hit.
"Brandon Meriweather, specifically, last week we were appropriately calling him out and chastising him," he added. "Yesterday in the Patriots' game at San Diego, Meriweather made two very tenacious, effective and legal hits in similar situations. But you could see it, he lowered the target area, blasted the opponent with his shoulder. He adapted, showing it can be done. It is appropriate to praise him for the tough play."
Anderson also saw a difference in the way Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison played on Sunday, who was fined $75,000 for two vicious hits against the Cleveland Browns a week ago.
"There certainly was one play, on a hit on a running back, that James Harrison may have taken a shot at the running back going down, and Harrison let up," Anderson said. "I think he acknowledged he let up when had a chance to put his head and helmet in there. I applaud James for restraining himself."
I think the NFL has done a great job of handling some of the vicious head shots.
Its obvious when players go in there on purpose trying to clock others in the head. The proof is in the pudding. I say that because we didn't see anybody going out there purposely trying to knock other guys out. And the result was, zero helmet to helmet infractions.
Hopefully, the clean aggressive play continues in the NFL. Its important that the league sets a standard for both college, high school, and youth football to follow.
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