Video of Byrd hit on Welker

[Beerball]

link

 

Welker clearly ducks 7 secs in and leads head first into Byrd.

 

Byrd goes as low as he possibly can. There may be helmet to helmet contact, but I think that the video from behind brady* shows that he hit with his shoulder first. If there was 'helmet to helmet' it was a glancing blow and not direct.

 

I'm interested in whether the Bills ask the league for a clarification on this play.

 

Apologies if already posted, didn't see on page 1.

[Juice_32]

Definitely a terrible call. Byrd is having a hell of a year thus far. The guy does a great job in run support and has no problem at all with laying a lick. Hopefully he can get on the INT bandwagon against the Bungles. Keep up the great work Byrd man!

[bdutton]

Defensive players should have their head up when they go in for a tackle.

[I hate the Bills !]

It was just a regular play in the NFL he didnt lead with his head.

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

What's the rule on this? I think there can be some helmet to helmet contact for non-QB's.

 

I think they called him for hitting a defenseless receiver, which is garbage.

[Just in Atlanta]

One of the worst calls I've seen in recent memory.

 

However, if you recall, the next play we got an INT.

[bowery4]

I am past it, we won anyway

[timba]

That they called him a defenseless receiver,not even a helmet to helmet hit (which was caused by Welker ducking his helmet into the tackle), is crap after Welker was able to catch the ball and turn around.

[flaz]

Let's wait for the NFL ruling. I don't think there was H to H hit abd I bet there is no fine!

[GaryPinC]

I realize penalties are not subject to replay review but they should make an exception for helmet-to-helmet hits. It's a huge penalty, there should be strict guidelines and subject to review since it can occur so quickly.

[High Mark]

At that point he is no longer a 'defenseless reciever' - he is a ball carrier and he needs to be tackled.

 

F you goodell you total f***face loser that hates real football. I'd rather see them fine QBs for throwing buddy passes over the middle. eat sh*t and die.

[bbb]

This call was probably the most galling in years in terms of when it was called, the bs that happened before, etc...........Thank God we intercepted right after - karma!

[Billshank Redemption]

Byrd has had a great fricken season he's had so many pass breakups his run support has been excellent really probably the unsung hero and leader of this defense

[bizell]

i don't know if it's his responsibility, but the ref standing not 3 yards from the play didn't even throw a flag on the hit, and he had the best view. what a horrible call.

[SF Bills Fan]

That was a bad call. The league seems to want to outlaw tackling. Chuck Bednarik would get flagged on every play in the modern NFL.

[5 Wide]

Defenseless is a receiver in the process of laying out or going up for a ball. Defenseless isn't Wes Welker already securing the ball and turning upfield. Tough call, tough play.

[bbb]

Defenseless is a receiver in the process of laying out or going up for a ball. Defenseless isn't Wes Welker already securing the ball and turning upfield. Tough call, tough play.

 

And, coming at you like a battering ram!

[Wagon Circler]

Byrd has had a great fricken season he's had so many pass breakups his run support has been excellent really probably the unsung hero and leader of this defense

Yes

[Dorkington]

What about the flying spear that one of their guys gave us in a pile up? Anyone see that? Or how about the uppercuts to Freddie? Or the late hit on a knee *after* one PF was already called (Fitz got up, and then got popped), or the constant holds against Merriman and Kelsay?

 

The refs did their best to screw us over, but we still won.

[Doc]

Apparently defenders are supposed to allow the receiver to catch the ball and get themselves set/make a football move before they can be hit, otherwise they are "defenseless." Unreal.