I hate to see plays like this — either teach your guys to tackle, or expect retribution.
Late in the New England Patriots’ loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football, star tight end Rob Gronkowski was taken out by a low hit from safety Darian Stewart.
Rob Gronkowski's knee was injured on this play. #NEvsDEN https://t.co/cpKJs6qGJB
— NFL (@NFL) November 30, 2015
It’s a constant issue for Gronkowski who faces defensive backs afraid of tackling him high, or mid-waist.
Gronkowski was eventually carted off the field and taken back to the locker room for X-rays. The Patriots don’t believe it’s serious, and Tom Brady said he didn’t believe the hit was dirty.
“I hate to see it, but it really is the only way defenders can hit now,” Brady said, via WEEI. “I bet if you asked the players, they would really rather go high than low. I don’t think it’s dirty. I just think that is how football is played now.”