NFL Fines Ravens LB Roquan Smith $16K for Hip-Drop Tackle, Ending Chris Godwin’s Season
In a move that added financial consequences to an already costly play, the NFL has fined Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith over $16,000 for a hip-drop tackle that ended the season for Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the fine on Friday following a league review of Monday night’s game.
What is a Hip-Drop Tackle?
The hip-drop tackle is defined as a maneuver where a player wraps or grabs an opponent with both hands or arms, then drops his body weight by swiveling his hips. The player’s lower body lands on and traps the opponent’s legs at or below the knee, often resulting in severe lower-body injuries. In Godwin’s case, this tackle resulted in a season-ending ankle dislocation, necessitating surgery earlier this week.
Controversy Surrounding the Play
The tackle occurred in the game’s final minute, drawing criticism from Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles for keeping Godwin on the field during a situation where a comeback was unlikely. Initially, the play didn’t appear controversial on the television broadcast. However, All-22 footage captured from the end zone revealed Smith making upper body contact with Godwin, wrapping both arms around him, and then swinging his legs forward, landing on Godwin’s left leg and causing the injury.
Notably, officials did not flag Smith for the tackle during the game.
The NFL’s Stance on Hip-Drop Tackles
The NFL banned hip-drop tackles during the Annual League Meeting in March due to their high injury potential. Despite the ban, the technique has yet to be fully eradicated from the game, with Smith becoming the tenth player fined for it this season. Hip-drop tackles have already caused notable injuries, including a high-ankle sprain for Texans running back Joe Mixon in Week 2 after a similar tackle by Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards.
Impact on Chris Godwin’s Season
For Godwin, the injury interrupted a season that was on track to be his career-best. Over seven weeks, he had achieved 50 receptions, 576 yards, and five touchdowns, making him one of the league’s most productive receivers and a perfect complement to Buccaneers star Mike Evans in Tampa Bay’s offense.
Adding to the Buccaneers’ struggles, Evans also exited Monday night’s game with a hamstring injury, marking a difficult evening for Tampa Bay.
As the NFL continues to enforce rules against hip-drop tackles, injuries like Godwin’s highlight the importance of the ban. While it may take time for the tackle style to disappear from football, the league’s ongoing efforts and fines aim to protect players from avoidable, severe injuries.
