James Harrison's NON-Dirty Hit

Okay, by now, I get it. People will take cheap shots all the time. Especially when you're winning and you're a tough, physical football team. But, I will tell you what's not a cheap shot. The hit James Harrison put on Mohamed Massaquoi. I'm sorry, but it was not a cheap shot at all. It was a very hard hit and Mr. Harrison was making a perfect form tackle. Look below....


Here is the first part of the play. As you can see Massaquoi is running in the direction of Harrison. At this point everything looks normal.


At this point Massaquoi is starting to turn around and Harrison is headed straight towards his numbers, which by the way is exactly where they teach you to hit. Hit the numbers and drive through the tackle.


Now look at the difference between picture two (above) and picture three (below). Massaquoi, NOT Harrison is the one lowering their helmet. Harrison is still driving for his chest (numbers).

Now here you can see clearly that Massaquoi is the one 'leading with his helmet' while Harrison has stayed true to his form tackle during the entire play. We all know what happens next...


And here is the hit...


Let's review again. James Harrison is coming in stride to make form tackle on Mohamed Massaquoi. Unfortunately for Massaquoi, he had trouble hanging onto the ball that led him to drop his head and locate the ball which was falling below his waist.

Massaquoi was standing tall (as receivers do when the ball is coming towards them). He then bobbles the pass which causes him to lower his helmet and ends up bent at the waist. During that time, there is no possible way for Harrison to change his direction or form on his tackle. As you can see by the pictures, Harrison was not intending to injure Massaquoi. He was doing his job and preparing to make a tackle. If anyone is at fault, it should be Massaquoi for lowering his helmet.