Injuries are an inevitable and challenging aspect of football. Every team, regardless of their talent or preparation, faces the unfortunate reality of players being sidelined due to various injuries. The Minnesota Vikings are no strangers to this harsh reality, and their recent game against the Seattle Seahawks was no exception.
While the Vikings were fortunate that only cornerback Fabian Moreau missed the game, the injury bug still managed to strike as outside linebacker Pat Jones II and running back Aaron Jones were both injured during the intense Sunday match. Injuries are a normal part of the game, but it’s especially frustrating when they occur due to a hit that some fans and players perceive as questionable or even dirty.
Aaron Jones’ injury came as a result of a low block from Packers tight end Tucker Kraft, who was blocking during a jet motion play. The hit quickly sparked outrage across social media, with many calling it a dirty play. The question arises: is this type of block really illegal, or is it just part of the game?
The nature of the hit is worth examining. Kraft was in motion, gathering momentum, when he chose to go low rather than staying high on his block. This decision didn’t sit well with Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, who immediately voiced his opinion, calling for the block to be banned from the game. Greenard and others argued that low blocks, particularly when executed with such force, can lead to dangerous injuries.
However, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was quick to defend Kraft’s actions, passionately arguing that it was a legal play. LaFleur explained, “It’s the same thing that their guys were doing to our defensive ends, OK? It’s a cross-sift. It’s a totally legal play. You’ve got to defeat the block, and there’s a lot of different ways to do it.” He continued to clarify that these types of blocks are commonplace in the league, even citing a previous example where a Vikings tight end, Johnny Mundt, blocked a Packers defender with similar tactics.
LaFleur’s defense of the block was not without a few shots aimed at defensive players who also utilize low blocks. He mentioned a safety, though unnamed, who had been involved in a series of low hits that resulted in significant injuries, including torn ACLs for both T.J. Hockenson and Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee. These incidents raised further concern over the safety of low blocks, highlighting the potential for long-term injuries to players.
Vikings head coach Brian Flores was naturally asked to weigh in on the controversy, and he was candid about the nature of the play. Flores acknowledged that while the block is technically legal under the current rules, it’s a controversial issue that has sparked plenty of debate within the league. “I mean, it’s a legal play, you know, letter of the law. It’s a legal play,” he explained. He also noted the added difficulty that comes with blocking in jet motion, where players gain speed and momentum, making the hit more forceful and potentially more dangerous.
Flores also pointed out that despite the concerns, Pat Jones II’s injury wasn’t as severe as it could have been, which was a relief for both the team and its fans. He mentioned that Jones is day-to-day and, fortunately, the injury didn’t end his season. “Thankfully, Pat’s wasn’t like a season-ending thing, and he’s kind of day-to-day. But yeah, I mean, it’s stuff to watch, as we all saw. But thankfully, it’s good,” Flores said with a sigh of relief.
This incident and the subsequent discussion around low blocks are likely to be revisited in the offseason, much like the controversial hip drop tackle was last year. The debate is complex: while the block may be legal under current rules, the safety of the players is the bigger concern. Is this the kind of play that should be allowed in football, considering the potential for injury? As the league continues to evolve, it’s clear that player safety must remain a top priority, and certain plays, like low blocks, may need to be reevaluated for the betterment of the game.
