The kick that injured high-profile New York Giants contender Cavon Thibodeau sparked a heated online debate between former players and the media.
It came Sunday night when Cincinnati’s Thaddeus Moss stopped Thibodeau in a low position in the second quarter of the Giants-Bengals preseason game. The Oregon Product lay on the field for a moment before moving the cart and leaving the field under its own power. Reactions rained down on Twitter, with many believing Moss’ hit was a “dirty” game.
NFL Network’s Rich Eisen gave an explanation to the video of the game, emphasizing the need for strong corrective action from the league.
Punishment.
Very good.
Income.Anything less is unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/aZulgjrQyF
– Rich Eisen (@richeisen) 22 August 2022
However, not everyone agreed with Eisen. Former Packers linebacker TJ Lang described Moss’ hit as “LEGAL” and “routine.”
For a block that happens 10 times per game? The people of Jesus Christ calmed down. This is a normal block. Ugly result, but routine LEGAL blocking. https://t.co/z7H0YA6mJv
– Teej. (@TJLang70) 22 August 2022
In fact, several former players agreed with Lang.
maybe I’m crazy, but I don’t think this Bengals TE block is dirty? Are people saying this just because it’s pre-season?
— Mike Golik Jr (@mikegolicjr) 22 August 2022
There is nothing dirty here. I’m just doing his job. Unfortunately, Thibodeau caught his foot.
— Gabe Ikard (@GabeIkard) 22 August 2022
It’s not dirty. When KT detects the game, he prepares to make contact at altitude and stops on his feet. https://t.co/nTNn43A1vh
— Jeff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) 22 August 2022
PEOPLE. Here’s a neat game, a regular block, and a routine defensive strategy. Inside the tackle box, the defender looks at him, the result is just bad. https://t.co/JPlCmEeTho
– Marshall Newhouse (@MNewhouse73) 22 August 2022
Despite the initial panic, there are reports that Thibodeau may have avoided a serious and prolonged knee injury. However, the discussion is likely to last longer than the trauma.
Is it a dirty game?
Let’s start with Eisen’s tweet. As noted in some of the tweets above, Moss’ punch was not illegal. Here, too, he did not take Thibodeau by surprise. The fifth pick in the draft watched Moss walk in and found time to get ready or possibly walk away. So there’s no reason to demand league discipline from Moss for a perfectly legal game.
Now, should the game be legal? possible TRUE contention.
That’s difficult. The chances of serious injury are obviously high, but how do you tell a man he can’t fall? You will be the judge.
Source: Breitbart
