Clifton - the NFL's elder statesman LT

[sharpe1027]

Have you ever heard the phrase " you have to keep your head on a swivel?" The reason a phrase like that even exists is because players get blindsided every game.

Exactly what happens every game? A slow-lineman completely out of the play and not making any real effort to get into the play gets blindsided by an opposing player when the hit that has nothing to do with trying to keep the player from getting into the play? That happens every game? I don't agree. IMO, it was a cowardly move and there is no place for that in any sport. Hiding behind the official rule book and blaming Clifton for "not having his head on a swivel" doesn't change anything in my opinion.

I would think that most people that coach or play sports would agree that hiding behind the absence of an express rule is complete BS. I would hope that anyone that is involved with sports at any level would make it abundantly clear that a play like that is wrong. If a teammate of mine did something like that and wasn't the least bit sorry, I would call them trash too.

I think that's about all I can say on the subject. If you still don't agree, I can't change your mind.

[mraynrand]

I would hope that anyone that is involved with sports at any level would make it abundantly clear that a play like that is wrong.

Hear, Hear!

"What you did was wrong!" (Note that Ol'e Shermy DIDN't say "What you did was against the rules.")


Sapp used some "More colorful metaphors." (Note to Brandon494: the use of the word 'colorful' is not racist)

[Brandon494]

No offense to Clifton but you have to keep your head on a swivel in football. I know Clifton got hurt from the play but its not like Sapp tried to take out his knees or anything.

[mraynrand]

but its not like Sapp tried to take out his knees or anything.

Yeah, actually, Sapp did. He tried to take out everything. He hit Clifton with everything he had. It was a total cheap shot, from a guy who was getting beat.

[VermontPackFan]

Yup, Bobblehead has it right. It was described once as a wrenching action of the upper body while the lower body stayed still, which tore and strained everything that that connected the pelvis bones together and to his upper body.

From an article on the injury:

Duly noted...
Come on people, it was a tough hit. Agreed today it would have been penalized with a possible suspension, but at the time that is exactly how the game was played. Unfortunately it happened against one of our own, Chad Clifton who has been one of the team MVP's for a few years.
As for Saap, he is a HOF DT who waged war with Green Bay twice per year for like 10 years? During the 90's, the Tampa v. Green Bay rivalry was the best in the old NFC Central, irregardless of how long we have played Chicago & Minnesota. One cheap shot (in many of your oppinions) should not tarnish the fact that this guy was a warrior.

[VermontPackFan]

I think that's about all I can say on the subject. If you still don't agree, I can't change your mind.

Good points...but I respectfully agree to disagree.

[KYPack]

Well that's about as far as we'll get with the dirty hit/ tough shit argument.

I was thinking about a different angle on this thing. The coaches/staff really took care of Cliffy and did a great job of extending his career. The Packers are really first class in that area. Should more players be given the "cotton ball" treatment to extend their careers? I'd think there are other players that would get a year or two more out of the tank if the practice load was greatly reduced. Should that philosophy be extended to all the injured and older players?

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

No offense to Clifton but you have to keep your head on a swivel in football. I know Clifton got hurt from the play but its not like Sapp tried to take out his knees or anything.

The hit was cheap, no way around it. You can take a player out like that every game if you are out there head hunting.