The NFL has said in recent years that they are trying to make the game of football as safe as possible for its players. Referees have been instructed to call penalties on helmet hits and the league uses fines and suspensions as a way to deter certain types of hits and rough plays.
The league took action on one such play on Thursday, fining New York Jets offensive lineman Matt Slauson $10,000 for an illegal peel-back block on Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing that ended his season.
The play occurred in Houston's 23-17 win on Monday night and caused Cushing to tear his ACL, effectively ending his season. He was placed on injured reserve and the team confirmed the news that Cushing tore a left knee ligament and will have surgery in a few weeks to repair the damage.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Slauson will appeal the fine.
"I've heard (from my coaches) that it was a clean block, that's all I know," Slauson said to ESPNNewYork.com. "If the league wants to tell me differently ... I hope I don't get fined. If I happen to get something, I'll deal with it then.
Video of the play shows Slauson getting pushed aside by Cushing on a rushing play to the opposite side of the field. With Cushing in pursuit of the tackler, Slauson clearly launches himself with his helmet towards Cushing's legs.
The video also clearly shows that Cushing was in front of Slauson by that time, making the hit a peel-back block and not a front side tackle or block.
Coach Rex Ryan spoke about whether the hit was illegal, saying: "No. I think that's just one of those unfortunate things."
"According to Rule 12, Section 2, Article 4, a player who is aligned inside the tackle box when the ball is snapped who moves outside the tackle box cannot make contact on the side or below the waist of an opponent if he is moving toward his own end line."
Houston defensive coordinator Wade Phillips also commented on the hit: "Whether it was legal or not, all that stuff -- I think it's just unnecessary to hit a defensive player when he can't see you."
There was no flag thrown on the play by the referees.
"I know the intent of Matt Slauson was not to injure Brian Cushing, without question," Ryan said. "We wouldn't try to injure anybody, but a great player like Brian, it's really an unfortunate thing. It's obviously in their (the league's) hands, but I know the intent of our player, though."
While Slauson may not have been trying to hurt Cushing, the replay is clear. He was beat on his assignment and decided to make up for his by launching himself low at Cushing's legs. Whether or not he tried to injure the player is irrelevant, it was an irresponsible play that should warrant a fine or a suspension.
"The way we cut, it's always going upfield. The way he (Cushing) got cut, the guy (Slauson) was actually coming back toward the play," said Texans left tackle Duane Brown. "He was facing the running back, coming back toward the line of scrimmage, which I don't think is legal. We don't coach that at all. We don't go out and execute that kind of cut block."
Houston is 5-0 and one of the big reasons for their early success is due to the defense and to the play of Cushing. He is one of the top linebackers in the league and previously won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2009.
"Those guys really look to him," Kubiak said to the associated Press. "He's an emotional leader, the way he plays, the way he works, the way he practices. Cush loves it all. That's the thing about him. Guys feed off of that."
Tim Dobbins entered the game for Cushing and will take his place on defense as the team moves forward.
"He's a veteran player, he's played with Wade before," Kubiak said. "It's a lot to ask, but that's why he's here. It's an opportunity for him as a player and we'll have to rally around him and like I said, make up for Cush's loss as a group."
Houston has a tough game this Sunday night as they host the Green Bay Packers at home. The Packers are coming off a crushing last second loss at Indianapolis after missing a kick as time expired. The team will look to get back on track after starting the season 2-3.
