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Once again, Davante Adams was knocked out of an NFL game by an awful, dirty hit to the head.
That’s twice this season that it has happened to Adams, who now has had three concussions in the last two football seasons. Fairly or unfairly, that history of concussions could get brought up in contract negotiations this offseason for the receiver, even despite the fact that two of them were hardly normal football plays.
Furthermore, both of those hits — by Danny Trevathan in week four and now by Thomas Davis on Sunday — are the textbook definition of “targeting,” the rule in college football that results in an ejection of the offending player. Fines and suspensions only work to a point; the only solution is to ensure that players who level those dirty hits at opponents’ heads are removed from the game.
It should have happened to Trevathan weeks ago, and it should have happened to Davis on Sunday. Instead, Davis remained in the game, making a few more tackles later in the game (including a third-down stop and a sack). His remaining in the game didn’t decide the result, but it contributed to it and the league must take action this offseason to further ensure that these hits are appropriately penalized.
Fifteen yards and the threat of a fine isn’t remotely enough.
Here’s the rest of your Packers news on this ugly Monday morning.
Packers teammates discuss the hit on Davante Adams | Packers.com
It's time for a targeting rule in the NFL, and I don't see how anyone can make an argument otherwise.
Sit or play Aaron Rodgers if playoffs out? Tougher call than it looks - ESPN
It would make sense for pride's sake and as a message to the rest of the team for Rodgers to suit up next Saturday night in the season's home finale. But from a long-term perspective, is it worth it to risk any further injury? Expect a decision by mid-week.
Packers capable of teasing, not contending | Packersnews.com
Tom Silverstein lays it all out there: this team, as currently constructed, simply isn't good enough. Silverstein basically takes the whole organization's methods, from personnel to coaching to player performance, to task.
Mics caught two incredible on-field conversations during Packers-Panthers | Packers Wire
Packers fans can appreciate Corey Linsley's politeness, as he apologized for making the wrong protection call before one snap. They won't be so excited about the exchange between Clay Matthews and Cam Newton.
Packers celebrated Aaron Rodgers’ first TD in his return by racewalking - SBNation.com
Bobsledding, curling, and now racewalking? The Packers' receivers must really like the more obscure Olympic sports.
Panthers owner Jerry Richardson to sell team after allegations of workplace misconduct - SBNation.com
Good riddance.
Steelers doomed by confusion, chaos in latest loss to Patriots - NFL.com
Between another disputed review on what is or isn't a catch -- the rule was applied properly -- and insanity on a third-down fake spike, the last 30 seconds of the New England-Pittsburgh game was one to remember (unless you're a Steelers fan).