Woodley's Hit

by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Jan 12, 2009 3:34 PM EST

I've read several comments stating that Woodley should have let up on Rivers on that one sack down by the goal line, and that his sack was "excessive". I say that's bs.

First let me say, if there is any QB deserving of a hit like that it was Rivers. The guy is a blowhard who can't handle losing, and acts like a child when he does. I guarantee you that Jack Lambert, Joe Greene, or any of the Steelers of the 70's would've applauded that hit. Guys like Lawrence Taylor did worse than that. The NFL has become exactly what Troy Polamalu said; a pansy game. You don't sit back and worry about how a QB is feeling after you hit him hard, you get up, you hope he's not seriously injured and then you walk back and do it again. I wasn't even alive for the 70's but you got to be effing kidding me. Woodley sacked him; was it a little more vicious than most sacks, hell yea, but why is that a bad thing? I guarantee you that if we were to go into next week's game with the mentality of "Oh let's not rough up Joe Flacco too badly he's a nice guy", we will lose cause you can bet that Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, and Bart Scott will all be looking to tear BB's arms off. Lewis himself went out of his way to end our first round draft pick's season, and then celebrated when he did.

The point remains that football is a rough, physical sport, and if you walk into it with a nice guy mentality, you might as well not even suit up for a game.

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Comments

You can notice in Blitz’s pictures of the tackle that the whistle was blown before woodley completed the snap-around. He’s very lucky he didn’t get a flag, even if you can argue it was past the point of being able to stop the tackle.

It was a hard tackle, I’ve seen players called for an awful lot less.

by steelguy99 on Jan 12, 2009 3:38 PM EST reply actions

DEFINITELY

could have been a penalty for sure.

but im in no way upset that Woodley made the tackle like that. If we look at the angle of where Woodley wraps up Rivers, it’s obvious that the whole pile drive kind of move was his best choice. Really didnt think it was inappropriate – that said, could have, and perhaps should have been a flag. And that flag could have been costly because it would have kept them in business and we were still only up by 11.

by Michael Bean on Jan 12, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions

Nah, I’m not upset. I loved it.

by steelguy99 on Jan 12, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions

well

Cant say I disagree about the not ever apologizing for playnig hard and fast. Lost a few of the argument points with the Rivers bashing :) hehe. But dont necessarily disagree with ya there either. Lambert would have LOVED to get a lick on a guy like Rivers. lol.

Anyway, these plays happen in 3 seconds time basically. How the heck are guys expected to ‘ease’ up.

Part of the merit of these picture posts is to illustrate just how quick things happen and just how small the difference between a successful and busted play. To expect someone to slow down as they get their hands on the QB is ridiculous. Agreed.

by Michael Bean on Jan 12, 2009 3:38 PM EST reply actions

It worked out, but it would have undone a backbreaking play if it got called. If you can make a big play without risking a penalty, it’s better than making a big play while risking a penalty. Also, if Shawne Merrimen did that to Ben, we’d all be calling for his head.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Jan 12, 2009 4:08 PM EST reply actions

Jason Campell Hit

Seems to me this is very similar to the jason Campbell hit that cost Woodley a good chunk of change.

Personally I get it, as QBs get bigger and stronger you worry about them slipping out and the last thing you want is to be that guy who doesn’t finish. Finish the tackle. If it costs a flag that’s better than letting up and letting him flip the ball out to the back.

by Chicago Steeler on Jan 12, 2009 5:33 PM EST reply actions

The Hit

Hmm, I cant say that I blame Woodley for laying out Rivers like that. How many times have we seen BB break a tackle like that and throw a 40 yard score? He’s used to watching Ben play and that means finish the play.

by BlkNGold on Jan 12, 2009 8:07 PM EST reply actions

agreed

The Dudes 6-5 230 lbs, you gotta get him to the ground and he wasnt down yet. It was actually quite impressive that he tossed him so easily. Ask Kiwanuka about not finishing on Vince Young, and BlknGolds point about Ben is true. Ya gotta lay the Wood.