Was he defenseless though ? He was ball carrier at that point. It was close. This is my point.I think you need to bone up on the "defenseless player" part of the targeting rule.
Key Aspects of the Rule
- Definition:
Targeting involves initiating forcible contact with the crown of the helmet or hitting the head/neck area of a defenseless opponent with the helmet, shoulder, forearm, hand, or elbow.
- Defenseless Player:
Includes players in the act of or just after catching a pass, those who have given themselves up (like sliding), or players in the tackle box subject to a blindside block.- Indicators:
Replay must confirm indicators like launching, leading with the crown of the helmet, or lowering the head to make forcible contact.