Why would a safety dive at a wr's knees anyways? Randel Cobb is like 190 lbs, Elam he could have easily hit him high while avoiding helmet to helmet.
I don't think it was an intentional cheap shot. I really feel for DB's these days, the tackle window is about the size of a strike zone right now. A strike zone that's constantly moving left to right, up and down.
I agree with both of you guys!
But what I continue to be dumbfounded about is this > If I am a defensive back (and ball carriers when they lead with their helmet), aware of the growing number of head and neck injuries,
WHY would I dare choose to place myself in such a risky situation by leading with my helmet, regardless as to
WHERE on the body you make contact with an oppenent? I realize the game is played at a high-level intense "flash-of-the eye" bang-bang pace and defensive players have to react quickly to do whatever they feel will most effectively help them to make the play on a ball carrier that is WITHIN the guidelines of where you can and cannot make contact. I get that! Rodgers took a low shot in the Bengal game which should have been flagged as that was a really cheap shot, IMO! I HATE to see anyone get a low shot in the knee area and below (especially with the helmet and/or shoulder pad lead), but as you mentioned, Ceodore, the strike zone IS constantly moving, forcing officials to use their own judgement as they perceive the location of the hit to be. I would not have had a problem at all with the hit on Cobb yesterday, had it been a wrap-up tackle in the knee/thigh area, but it was clearly a lead with the helmet. Cobb wasn't even in a low ball carrying position and as I saw the play, Elam had enough reactionary time to still strike Cobb in the waist/chest area, IMO. And if I am a defensive back in that situation near the goal line, my intention would be to aim my hit where the football is located (not head high or low, but still in the stomach area, as it appeared where Cobb was holding the ball) to jar it loose; just my opinion. Between the excessive "under further reviews" and the hit area controversy, this NFL is becoming unwatchable.
But again, I will just never understand why any player would choose to lead with their helmet on a play. Just doesn't make any sense to risk exposing your head, neck and spine to serious injury