Willis McGahee and Ryan Clark are OK
January 19th, 2009 at 11:01 amBy Chris
Although, you wouldn’t know it by watching this play…
So, was that a “dirty hit” or just two incredible athletes running into each at top speed? From the looks of it, Clark does try to get his shoulder into the hit, but the players’ helmets most certainly connected with each other. Why else would McGahee’s upper body essentially lock-up when the hit occurred? Watching the play when it happened, I found myself wondering if McGahee’s right arm was paralyzed.
The Baltimore running back spent the night in a Pittsburgh hospital, where reports indicate he has movement in his extremities and is talking to his doctors. He does have significant neck pain, however. As for the Pittsburgh side of things, Clark walked off the field after the hit, but was certainly feeling the effects of his torpedo-like blast on McGahee.
January 19th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Chris, you know my feelings on that one
I’ll refrain.
January 19th, 2009 at 11:43 am
I think it was more bad form than it was dirty.
January 19th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Yeah I agree. It was a good hard tackle. It’s football. Should warrant a fine tho just because it was helmet-to-helmet. Say what you want about that rule but it is what it is. I’ve certainly seen lesser hits that cost players $20K. Go Cards!
January 19th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
If you watch the play in slow mo you can really see Clarke turn his body and try to lead in with his shoulder, the bad thing for both players is that at full speed McGahee put his shoulder down as well and there heads met as they were both leading with essentially mirror images of the shoulders. (Mcgahee left shoulder and Clarkes right shoulder) if they had both lead with the same shoulder the helmets never colide. It’s unfortunate but I don’t think dirty. Just my 2 cents.
January 19th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
No, I don’t think the intent was dirty either. It would be nice, however, to see a defensive player actually tackle someone every once and while instead of trying to knock them in the middle of next week.
A good form/wrap-up tackle would’ve prevented this entire scene.