Roger Goodell Sends Memo To Teams About About Increased Discipline For Illegal Hits To Head And Neck Areas

TO NFL PLAYERS AND COACHES:

One of our highest priorities is player safety. We all know that football is a tough game that includes hard contact. But that carries with it an obligation to do all that we can to protect all players from unnecessary injury caused by dangerous techniques from those who play outside the rules.

The video shown today shows what kind of hits are against the rules, but also makes clear that you can play a hard, physical game within the rules.

Violations of the playing rules that unreasonably put the safety of another player in jeopardy have no place in the game, and that is especially true in the case of hits to the head and neck. Accordingly, from this point forward, you should be clear on the following points:

1. Players are expected to play within the rules. Those who do not will face increased discipline, including suspensions, starting with the first offense.

2. Coaches are expected to teach playing within the rules. Failure to do so will subject both the coach and the employing club to discipline.

3. Game officials have been directed to emphasize protecting players from illegal and dangerous hits, and particularly from hits to the head and neck. In appropriate cases, they have the authority to eject players from a game.
ROGER GOODELL
Commissioner

Ellis Hobbs Weighs In On NFL Rule Change, Vicious Hit Sustained By Teammate DeSean Jackson

The topic du jour in the National Football League is the announcement of rule changes regarding helmet-to-helmet hits stemming from the rash of concussions sustained this past weekend. One such guy to be knocked out was Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who was unnecessarily lit up by Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson. Jackson’s teammate, cornerback Ellis Hobbs, weighed in on the hit sustained by Jackson as well as the NFL’s declaration that it would be taking a tougher stanceon such plays moving forward. Excerpts from Hobb’s interview on WIP can be found below (via: SRI)

On whether or not this will change the way the game is played:

"I guess you play the game the same way you have always played it and let the chips fall where they may. I think to go out there and guard yourself and put caution out there may actually get you hurt worse than going out there and playing. It’s hard to go out there and play the game when they put such a severe penalty on you. On the other hand, it’s a violent sport and we all knew that from a young age. You just have to go out there and play the game."

On what he thought about [the hit on DeSean Jackson]:

"Here’s the disadvantage in looking at it like that. You’re talking about something that is happening in milliseconds. You’re slowing it down, you’re replaying it constantly and now you have the aspect of looking at it from all angles. Basically you’re telling everyone out there in TV land and reminding everyone of how bad this is. I think any human being and any person out there will tell you, I think (James) Harrison put a good point on it from the Steelers, you want to go out there and punish and hurt your opponent, but to sit there and do any permanent damage, you never want to do that. I don’t think Dunta Robinson had it in his mind to sit here and say I’m literally trying to kill this guy or knock him unconscious or something like that. Maybe so, but I personally don’t think that. I think he was just playing the game and if it was the other way around and DeSean had to hit him I think it would’ve been the same thing. We all know what we’re signing up for when we’re going out there."

On whether or not he will put a knockout hit on a receiver when he comes over the middle despite the new enforcement of the rule:

"Most definitely. My job is to go out there and make sure that guy doesn’t catch the ball, make sure I take the ball away, or make the tackle. My coach coaches me in the right direction. He doesn’t tell me anything that’s within the rule of dirty play, but we are taught to go out there and be a physical defense. The fans, the media, talk about that every day. Are you a physical defense or are you a weak defense? You’re only going to get that by going out there and getting the respect. How do you do that? You go out there, you hit hard, and you play the game violent."

NFL Levies Hefty Fine on Dunta Robinson For Hit on DeSean Jackson

The NFL has announced the penalty for Dunta Robinson’s hit that concussed DeSean Jackson and put both players of Sunday’s game. Robinson will be fined $50k for what the NFL is calling a violation of player safety rules.

In all, the NFL handed down $175k in fines today with $50k each coming from Robinson & Patriots S Brandon Meriweather and a whopping $75k from Steelers LB James Harrison.

It's kind of a double whammy for Robinson who ends up with a $50K and a concussion of his own from the play.

Here is the statement from the NFL on the hit.

In the second quarter of Atlanta's game against Philadelphia, Robinson unnecessarily struck a defenseless receiver. That action violated Rule 12, Section 2, Article 8 (g) of the NFL Official Playing Rules, which states that it is unnecessary roughness if the initial force of the contact by a defender's helmet, forearm, or shoulder is to the head or neck area of a defenseless receiver who is catching or attempting to catch a pass.

NFL: Hit On DeSean Jackson Was Definitely Illegal

NFL VP of operations Ray Anderson was on ESPN’s Mike & Mike this morning to talk about the league's new tougher stance on illegal and violent hits. He was asked specifically about Dunta Robinson’s hit on DeSean Jackson that knocked both players out of Sunday’s Eagles vs Falcons game. Eagletarian had the transcript.

“Technically, by the rules, even if you initiate contact below the neck, but you get up into a players head and neck area for a defenseless receiver, technically under that rule, that was a violation,” Anderson said. “That’s why it was called (a penalty). And it will be subject to discipline.”

Yes, it was a bang-bang play," Anderson said. “You can make the argument that it was different from the others (hits on Sunday). But at the end of the day, it was still illegal under the current rules. And we have to be very vigorous about enforcing and protecting our players against hits like this.”

Robinson will certainly be fined for the hit, but I doubt he’ll be one of the players suspended if indeed suspensions come down this week. Brandon Merriweather and James Harrison are more likely candidates for suspension because they really seemed to have more intent than Robinson did. While Robinson’s hit was clearly illegal under the new hitting a defenseless WR rules, it’s hard to say that there was malicious intent there.

Eagles Injury News: Andy Reid Discusses DeSean Jackson's Concussion

Below are Andy Reid’s full comments on DeSean Jackson’s concussion and timeline for recovery.

“Well, listen, with every concussion when you get hit like that you’re not going to remember everything, but it wasn’t like amnesia set in. He remembered his touchdowns and all the things that happened. He didn’t necessarily remember the hit when it took place. That was a heck of a hit. And listen, it’s one of those – it was a rough one on both those guys. But as far as the timing goes, that’s not accurate, and the memory loss, I don’t know to what extent [because] I didn’t hear all these comments, but it was a concussion and these are the things that happen with these concussions. But he got a pretty good jolt, now. That was a big hit. I’m not sure I’ve seen one here quite like that one in our stadium. That was a big hit for both guys.”

On whether he is confident Jackson will have a chance to play against the Colts after the bye week:

“We just have to take it [one step at a time].”

On whether he has any reason to think Jackson would not be ready against the Colts:

“No. I didn’t hear any of that. Maybe somebody knows something I don’t know, but I doubt it.”

On whether Jackson’s concussion is the most severe concussion a player on the team has suffered this year:

“Well, I’ll tell you that was a violent collision and that’s what I’ll tell you. We’ve had a couple others that were pretty good ones, but this was a pretty violent one. And the thing about it is, the next question goes, ‘Well, if Riley’s been out two weeks, you know, DeSean [should be out longer, too?]’ I think they’re all different, and so you just have to go on the symptoms and see what happens, and listen to the doctors, and listen to the player and the trainer. So, we’ll just see how it all works. But that collision, that was a rough one.”

Reid: DeSean Jackson "A Real Stretch" To Be Ready To Play Sunday

Andy Reid updated DeSean Jackson’s condition at his Monday press conference and the news was mixed. First, he said that Jackson had indeed suffered a concussion and did not actually recall the hit. He did however, recall his touchdowns and the rest of the game.

Reid said that while Jackson would be a “real stretch” to play this weekend against the Titans, there was no reason at this point to think he would be out after the bye week following the Titans game.

In addition to the concussion, Jackson is experiencing soreness in the shoulder and neck area but was in “good spirits” today as he came in for treatment.

Eagles Vs Falcons: Andy Reid Postgame Quotes

Andy Reid opened his postgame conference without much news on DeSean Jackson’s injury. He said it was obviously a concussion but had no news beyond that. He did say that he didn’t think Jackson lost consciousness and that DeSean was awake when he was out there. He was asked whether these violent collisions were becoming more common in the NFL lately.

“I think it’s been that way. At that position, you have speed guys, and you have some guys who can whack you when they get to you. I don’t think things have changed that way. I think you’re seeing some violent collisions throughout the league, but if you look over time, there have been some crazy collisions between safeties and wide receivers, between safeties and tight ends, and between corners and wide receivers on crossing routes. That’s what happened in this situation.”

On the solid play of the much maligned King Dunlap

“I thought big King did a pretty good job. He had one penalty for hands-in-the-face, but when a guy is trying to bull-rush you and you’re 6-9, sometimes that’s going to happen. I thought he bent well, and I thought he delivered his hands in tight. He has 35-and-a-half inch arms, so when he extends those, I’m not sure there is anyone in the league that can get into his chest. He battled all the way through. I have to see the film, but I thought for the most part, he did a pretty good job.”

Will the good play of Kevin Kolb make it hard to go back to Michael Vick?

“This is a beautiful thing. When you’re sitting here as a chubby head coach in the National Football League, and you have two good quarterbacks, you’re a happy guy. That’s a positive thing.”

Finally, does this win over Atlanta solidify the Eagles position in the NFC?

“Every week in this thing is a challenge. This was a challenge this week and I thought the guys were focused and ready to play their hearts out. Next week is another challenge. I still believe that [Atlanta] is a heck of a football team. They are very well-coached and they play hard and aggressive football. We were able to get a few big plays on them and put them in a little bit of a bind, but that’s a good football team in all phases of their game. The NFL is crazy right now. Next week is another challenge, and you have to focus in on that, rise to the challenge, and then you’re off to the races.”

Video: Dunta Robinson's Illegal Hit On DeSean Jackson That Injures Both Players

During the first half of the Eagles Vs Falcons game, Atlanta CB Dunta Robinson put a clearly dirty helmet to helmet hit on DeSean Jackson. The hit, for which the Falcons were flagged for 15 yards and Robinson will undoubtedly be fined for, appeared to knock both players out cold. Both were helped off the field looking very woozy and would not return.

Recap: Eagles Defeat Falcons 31-17

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) – Kevin Kolb was highly efficient in throwing for 326 yards and a career-high three touchdowns, and the Philadelphia Eagles trounced the visiting Atlanta Falcons, 31-17.

Kolb, who has been mired in a much-publicized quarterback controversy with the injured Michael Vick, completed 23-of-29 passes and was picked off once for the Eagles (4-2), who have won four of their last five games and notched their first home victory in three tries.

Vick (ribs) has missed the last two games after being knocked out of a Week 4 matchup with the Redskins, and Kolb has filled in admirably by winning his past two starts.

The main target of the game was Jeremy Maclin, who caught seven balls for a career-best 159 yards and two touchdowns, including one that went for 83 yards. DeSean Jackson added a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown before being knocked out of the game with a head injury early in the second quarter on a scary hit from Atlanta’s Dunta Robinson, who also left the game.

Matt Ryan was largely ineffective in his second homecoming for Atlanta (4-2), connecting on just 23-of-42 throws for 250 yards with two touchdowns to Tony Gonzalez and an interception. The Philadelphia-area native fell to 0-2 in his career at Lincoln Financial Field.

Michael Jenkins led the receiving corps with five catches for 99 yards, while Michael Turner ran for 45 yards on 15 carries for the Falcons, who had their four-game win streak snapped.

The Eagles came out firing on all cylinders to build a big lead.

Atlanta went three-and-out on the game’s first series, and Philadelphia gained possession at its own 47. After Kolb hit Maclin on a 22-yard pass play, Jackson got an end around to the left and sprinted his way past the defense before just getting over the goal line for a 31-yard touchdown three minutes into the game.

The Falcons looked to cut into their deficit, as a 42-yard completion from Ryan to Jenkins put them in field goal range. Matt Bryant’s 41-yard attempt, however, banged off the left upright and fell to the field.

Kolb made Atlanta pay for its mistake, driving the Eagles downfield 69 yards in just six plays. Jackson finished off the possession by catching a perfect pass over the middle in the end zone from 34 yards out for a 14-0 lead with 6:50 still left in the opening quarter.

The Falcons’ offense gained just one first down combined on their next three drives — on an Eagles’ defensive penalty — and Philadelphia extended its lead to 21 points midway through the second after a 44-yard punt return by Jorrick Calvin gave the hosts good field position.

The return put the Eagles at the Falcons’ 34, and Kolb directed a seven-play drive that ended when Maclin made a diving touchdown grab just over the goal line near the right pylon from eight yards away.

Philadelphia was driving late in the first half until a tipped pass resulted in an interception. Kolb was whistled for a horse-collar tackle, which gave the Falcons the ball on the Eagles’ 31 with just under a minute left. After a pass interference call in the end zone, Ryan hit Gonzalez on a one-yard scoring pass with 14 seconds left for a 14-point game.

Bryant drilled a 26-yard field goal with seven minutes left in the third to cut Atlanta’s deficit to 10, but the Eagles had an immediate answer, as Kolb found Maclin streaking down the left sideline wide open for an 83-yard touchdown toss less than a minute later.

Ryan’s 13-yard touchdown pass to Gonzalez with 5:40 left in the game brought the Falcons to within 11, but Atlanta didn’t get the onside kick, and David Akers’ 30-yard field goal gave Philadelphia a 31-17 lead with three minutes to play.

Game Notes

Akers went 1-for-4 on field goal attempts, giving him three missed three field goals in the game for the first time in his career…The Eagles, who played without starting left tackle Jason Peters, allowed only one sack while recording three — two from Trent Cole…Philadelphia running back LeSean McCoy had 64 yards rushing on 21 carries and added four catches for 21 yards…Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel had an interception, giving him 31 since 2006, the most in the NFL during that time…The Eagles have won six of the last seven meetings between the teams.

Eagles Vs Falcons: Michael Vick May Dress Sunday

Michael Vick actually took some reps with the scout team today, it’s the first time he’s been practiced since his injury against Washington. While he won’t be starting this weekend, there’s a chance he could dress for the game and either be the emergency 3rd QB or the backup.

Vick himself says he thinks he can dress and that he’s getting healthy quick.

Vick said: “I could dress out. We’re just going to see how it goes for the next couple of days. I’m making progress each and every day; it’s a credit to the training staff. Just feeling good and ready to go.”

Vick said he still has pain “in my shoulders, but I can tolerate it; it’s not as bad as it was (even) two days ago. Each day I make progress.”

Eagles Vs Falcons: Andy Reid Names Kevin Kolb Starter

Adam Schefter is reporting that Andy Reid has announced that Kevin Kolb will start this Sunday against the Falcons.

Eagles Vs Falcons Key Matchups: King Dunlap Vs John Abraham

Arguably the key matchup of this game is going to be Falcons DE John Abraham vs Eagles LT King Dunlap… It’s one that heavily favors the Falcons on paper. Dunlap struggled mightily protecting Kevin Kolb’s blind side when he was pressed in to service against the 49ers. This week his job gets even harder going against Abraham, who has 93.5 career sacks.

Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg talked about whether he is concerned about the left tackle position.

“Well Abraham can show up both strong or weak, and right and left. And so, they’ll move him around a little bit; not as much as some, but more than just a stagnant right or left player. He’s a heck of a player. They have some excellent pass rushers. I think comparing them from last year they’re very good inside. They have the man from [the University of] Montana there, [DE Kroy] Biermann, as well, number 71. He’s a heck of a player. So their defense is very, very good and it starts up front with them. Our left tackle played well with the exception of a couple, two or three plays there, which he’ll get corrected. So, we have great confidence in [T] King [Dunlap] there.”

The Falcons move Abraham around to get him the best matchup… He probably won’t need to move much to get that this weekend.

Mornhinweg said there were things that team can do to help Dunlap, but he didn’t want to go into “too much detail” about how they’ll do that.

Rookie Nate Allen Making Quite The Impression

Three interceptions through five games, and a Defensive Rookie of the Month award for his play in September. Not a bad start to Nate Allen’s NFL career. The Philadelphia Eagles safety, drafted in the second round of this past April’s draft, has exceeded all expectations through the first five games of the 2010 NFL season. The Eagles’ defense has had its struggles early on in the year, but they’ve looked much improved from a year ago, thanks in part to Allen being ready to play at a high level from the get-go.

Allen, the former University of South Florida star who grew up in the Land of Deion Sanders (Fort Myers), has quickly carved out his own reputation as a playmaker in the Eagles defense. He was named the NFC’s Defensive Rookie of the Month for September and he now has three interceptions through only five games. The last Eagles rookie to have three interceptions in a season was none other than Dawkins in 1996. And to thicken the plot, Allen intercepted McNabb in the second half of the Eagles’ loss.

“I didn’t really think about it when we were on the field,” said Allen. “But when I got to the locker room and the media started talking about it, it was pretty cool.”

Eagles Vs Falcons: Sean McDermott Talks About Importance Of Stopping The Run

The Eagles coordinators met the media today to talk about this weekend’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott stressed the importance of stopping Atlanta’s run game, which is currently the 2nd ranked in the NFL.

“Well, you’ve got to stop the run. You have to commit to stopping the run, because if they get those two running backs going, that opens up their passing game, and that’s hard to stop. You look at the games where team’s have held them in check for three quarters or so, and that’s been San Francisco and a little bit of the Saints game. Eventually, their run got on track and they would pop a big run and then things would open up. The two running backs they have with [Michael] Turner and [Jason] Snelling are a legitimate force that we have to deal with.”

It was also noted that the Eagles run defense improved dramatically in last week’s game. They were gashed by the Redskins on the ground in week 4, but effectively shut down one of the game’s best best in Frank Gore last week. McDermott was asked what changed?

“Well, I thought we played better up front. I thought our tackles gave us a point up front, played square in the hole. When you do that, you have a chance to be a good run defense. But when there’s push up inside, like there had been in some previous games, it’s tough because everything falls back at that point. But last week, I thought out tackles really stepped it up and played well.”

The Eagles ability to control Atlanta’s run game will likely be what decides this game. Let’s hope the Eagles run D who showed up last week is the same one who shows up this week.

Eagles Vs Falcons: Kevin Kolb Admires Matt Ryan

If he does indeed start this week, Kevin Kolb will be facing another one of the NFL’s young quarterbacks in the Falcons’ Matt Ryan. He was asked this week whether Ryan is a guy he looks up to?

“Yeah, he’s done a great job, and not only on the field, but off the field. Everything that he does, he does it like a pro. One of the things I really like about him is, I’ve seen some film where the first couple quarters they’re not really grooving yet, and then like against San Francisco, boom, he came back on those last two drives, took them right down the field and won the game. So that’s the way it’s going to be sometimes, and he’s always a fighter, always a battler and finds a way to win.”

Kolb was also asked whether his preparation has changed this week since he’s not sure yet whether he’ll be starting or not?

“No. It’s exactly the same. And that’s the way you have to approach it. Obviously, we did something somewhat right last week, so that’s the way I want to stay, and make sure that I’m totally prepared if something was to happen.”

Eagles QB Michael Vick Says He Might Play This Weekend Against The Atlanta Falcons

Michael Vick did not participate in Eagles practice today, but he says that doesn’t mean he won’t be able to take the field this weekend against his former team, the Atlanta Falcons.

"I’ve got a shot," Vick said at his locker Wednesday. "I can’t tell you [how far away I am], the only thing I can tell you is, hey, I’m making progress, and don’t count me out. I’ve made progress every day. Last week I couldn’t brush my hair, but now I can brush my hair, so that’s a good thing. And [my] breathing is good."

So he can brush his hair… watch out Falcons!

Speaking of the Falcons, Vick told CSNPhilly that there’s no extra motivation for him to get back out there against his former team.

"There’s no extra motivation because it’s Atlanta," Vick said. "I felt like we got over that hurdle last year, so it’s just another football game against a tough football team."

Eagles QB Michael Vick Says He Might Play This Weekend Against The Atlanta Falcons

Michael Vick did not participate in Eagles practice today, but he says that doesn’t mean he won’t be able to take the field this weekend against his former team, the Atlanta Falcons.

“I’ve got a shot,” Vick said at his locker Wednesday. “I can’t tell you [how far away I am], the only thing I can tell you is, hey, I’m making progress, and don’t count me out. I’ve made progress every day. Last week I couldn’t brush my hair, but now I can brush my hair, so that’s a good thing. And [my] breathing is good.”

So he can brush his hair… watch out Falcons!

Speaking of the Falcons, Vick told CSNPhilly that there’s no extra motivation for him to get back out there against his former team.

“There’s no extra motivation because it’s Atlanta,” Vick said. “I felt like we got over that hurdle last year, so it’s just another football game against a tough football team.”

Michael Vick Misses Wednesday Practice

The Eagles released their Wednesday injury report and Michael Vick was unable to practice due to his injured ribs. This puts his status in doubt for this weekend's game against Atlanta. This really shouldn't come as a surprise after Andy Reid said this week that Vick would be a "long shot" to be ready by this weekend. Reid said that he's started lifting again, but has not resumed throwing.

Also missing practice was DT Brodrick Bunkley who went from headed to IR on Monday to discovering that his injury was not as serious as first thought. Reid did say he thought it would be a stretch for him to be ready to play.

Todd Herremans had some swelling on his knee and sat out practice but is expected to be back out tomorrow. Likewise for LeSean McCoy, who is still nursing a cracked rib. 

Jason Peters will undergo surgery tomorrow for a meniscus tear in his knee. He'll miss this week for sure, but the surgery is not season ending and he could be back in a couple weeks. King Dunlap will start in his place.

Asante Samuel has been cleared after suffering a concussion and was a full participant in practice. WR Riley Cooper, who also suffered a concussion last week, was limited today but looks likely to be back by Sunday.