One week after drawing heavy fines for illegal hits, James Harrison and Brandon Meriweather were praised by the NFL for clean play in Sunday's victories. Ray Anderson, the league's executive vice president of football operations, told The Associated Press on Monday that Meriweather and Harrison "heeded our emphasis" on eliminating fouls and deserve to be lauded. So do others, Anderson said, after no flags were thrown for illegal hits to defenseless players in the 13 games. Harrison was fined $75,000 and Meriweather $50,000 for hits to defenseless opponents last week, when the NFL announced it would begin suspending players for such tackles. "We like to think we're off to a good start in terms of the new emphasis and the recognition that we are going to play aggressively but well within the rules," Anderson said. "It's a good start." "Brandon Meriweather, specifically, last week we were appropriately calling him out and chastising him," he added. "Yesterday in the Patriots' game at San Diego, Meriweather made two very tenacious, effective and legal hits in similar situations. But you could see it, he lowered the target area, blasted the opponent with his shoulder. He adapted, showing it can be done. It is appropriate to praise him for the tough play." Patriots coach Bill Belichick was surprised to hear about Anderson's praise. "I think that would be a first for me," Belichick said Monday. "The officials are now evaluating the players and their performance. No, I mean that's great." He then paused several seconds before adding: "I can't tell you how much that means to me, really," drawing laughter from a room full of reporters. Source: Associated Press
That's the NFL jerking themselves off. trying to make it look like they are thanking the teams. When really they are patting themselves on the back.
yep, it was obvious defenders were hitting lower, keeping their helmets up more, and focusing on stripping the ball and wrapping up...................... wow, imagine that .............
