There is really no other way to deal with his vicious hit on Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin in the final seconds of the Jets' win over Arizona.
As Boldin was leaping in mid-air to catch a would-be touchdown pass from Kurt Warner, Smith launched himself - helmet-first - into Boldin. The helmet-to-helmet contact caused both players to lay on the ground for several minutes, and Boldin was immobilized on a back board before being carted off the field.
Take a look at the hit yourself.
He is expected to be ok, and Smith left the stadium without receiving any additional medical attention.
I expect the NFL will act quickly and forcefully on this one, especially in light of commissioner Roger Goodell's memo to all teams reminding them of player safety and avoiding precisely this kind of cheap shot tackle.
Smith needs to sit for at least a game, and I would have no problem with two games. The hit reminded me of some of former Cardinals safety Chuck Cecil's unconscionable helmet-to-helmet hits several years ago. It's an unncessary and illegal tackling technique, and Goodell needs to make a very strong case here.
I expect he will.
Comments (6)
Bob,
I hate to see hits like this, especially the players on my team leveling doing the dishing, but if Rhodes had not hit Boldin forward and his head down, the hit would not have been what it was. Still, if he is suspended a game, I will understand. But I do not think it was a vicious hit.
Adam
I see what your saying Greenbaumenom, with the Rhodes hit forcing his head forward, but the fact is that Smith still lead head force in his tackle, was a very scary situation.
You really hate to see somebody lying there motionless, brings the reality of the dangers of the sport out. Would of thought the Cardinals would of just taken a knee after that situation, just to end the game. But i guess they wanted to leave on some type of positive note.
I have been a Jets Season Ticket Holder since 1980 back at Shea Stadium. I was at the game and saw the play right in front of me. My seats are in Section 104. Bolden was clearly hit from behind first pushing him into Smith's hit. This did not appear to be an intentional helmet to helmet hit. It was however one of the loudest hits I have heard in a few years. Does the NFL take into consideration whether the hit appears to be intentional or unintentional?
The Rams announce that Jim Haslett will replace Rams fired head coach Scott Linehan.
Talk about jumping from the frying pan into the fire...
Hasletts record as head coach of the Saints? 45-51.
(Besides the guy was a lousy softball 1st baseman in 1983 during his walkout from contract negotiations with the Buffalo Bills) :-)
Pretty soon the entire Rams nation will be singing an old Sammy Hagar tune "I can't drive 55..." (Hasletts old playing number)
Considering the hit was unintentional, I would not suspend the guy. Granted, he will get a fine for it no doubt. But I really can't see how that warrants a suspension, considering it was unintentional. It really doesn't matter though, since Smith has no place on the field anyway with his horrendous play as of late.
Smith being suspended would only help the defense.. He sucks.