Legal tackle or not?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by InsideTheStripe

While I agree with this statement, I'm still not sure about this play. I didn't see a player that just happened to land on his head as the result of a tackle. I see a player picked up and DRIVEN head first into the ground. Was it necessary to drive him into the ground?

Like I previously said, I think I let it go if I see it live. However, I'd probably spend some time wondering if it were a good no-call.

He is trying to make the tackle. The runner is trying to get away. It was not like the player was not fighting for yardage. If this player does not land on this head, we are not even talking about this. Football is a violent sport and everything took place in-bounds while the ball was considered live (whether that should have been is another issue). It is not about what is necessary; it is about what was done. The play was not over when he threw the ball carrier to the ground.

Peace