The so-called “hip-drop tackle” has been a prohibited action since this season. But the interpretation of this new NFL rule is causing dissatisfaction.

Every offseason, the NFL rules are reviewed and adjusted if necessary. Mostly to protect players or to make the game more spectacular.

As many injuries have occurred in the past after a so-called “hip-drop tackle”, the league decided to ban this type of tackle from now on.

The exact penalty was also declared: anyone who drops into the knees and legs of an opponent from behind during a tackle will incur a 15-yard penalty for their team and an automatic first try for the opponent. A draconian penalty, but deliberately chosen to protect health with immediate effect.

After two match days, however, the first summary is sobering. There are still plenty of cases in which the “hip-drop tackle” is used, but no whistle is blown. The referees let it pass. This causes a stir

Hip-drop tackle goes unpunished

One of the victims is running back Joe Mixon. The Houston Texans rookie was unstoppable in week one against the Indianapolis Colts (29-27 win). He racked up 159 rushing yards and a touchdown.

In week two, he was stopped. Unfair. Against the Chicago Bears, Mixon was brought down by a hip-drop tackle from linebacker T.J. Edwards. To the great surprise, no flag flew.

Mixon had to leave the field injured, the Bears were not penalized and the Texans lost one of their best players and quality in the run game. In the aftermath, Edwards could still get a penalty, but that doesn’t help Mixon or the Texans.

Mixon’s ankle is injured. The painful action is clearly visible in the replay. There is a threat of a longer absence, more will show the medical examination

If this isn’t a hip drop tackle idk what is. Why even add the rule if you don’t call it? pic.twitter.com/RSccKCPyO3

– TheSweig (@TheSweig) September 16, 2024

Joe Mixon complains publicly

“The NFL and the NFLPA have introduced a new, important rule. And with a reason. It’s time to walk the talk,” the angry Texans RB posted on ‘X’.

A clear reproach to the referees, who are not yet adhering to the new rules and thus not protecting the health of the players.

“Joe got pinned. The opponent’s weight clearly hit his ankles. That didn’t look good. We now have to see what happens with him. I hope he’s okay. I’ll have to take another look to see if it was a hip-drop tackle,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said after the game.

Several players have already been stopped and injured in this way on the first two days of the game. According to “CBS Sports”, the NFL is said to have already admitted internally that two hip-drop tackles should have been penalized. If you look at the pictures, there are actually even more. Like Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison, for example, who is now also out

Vikings WR Jordan Addison, who has been ruled out for Sunday due to an ankle injury, sustained the injury from a hip-drop tackle against the Giants. This was the play: pic.twitter.com/xs8efJwUWi

– Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 13, 2024

JETS DEFENDER USES THE HIP DROP TACKLE ON A 49ERS RECEIVER, INJURING HIM, AND NO CALL FROM THE REFS.

It makes zero sense why they were implementing rules and not enforcing them.

pic.twitter.com/rYsiwFEcES

– MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 10, 2024