Texans a “dirty” team? A closer look at Swearinger and Smith

Aug 17, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Dustin Keller (81) is carted off the field with an injury during the first half against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Greetings Texans Fans!

Have the Texans, once considered a “soft” team suddenly become a dirty team? DJ Swearinger ended the season of Miami Dolphins tight end Dustin Keller during their preseason match up with a low tackle that absolutely destroyed Kellers knee. Veteran Miami wide receiver Brian Hartline was not impressed by the hit. During an interview with the “Joe Rose Show” he said “it’s crap.”

Speaking of, defensive end Antonio Smith will sit out the next three games, two preseason and the opener in San Diego after being suspended for ripping the helmet off his old nemesis Richie Incognito and swinging it at him. The NFL will also be fining Smith for his loss of self control.

Let’s break down the two incidents. DJ Swearinger was slightly out of position during the play, and forced to come back at Keller. He made a decision to go low, but if you watch the play at full speed, there was what, maybe a second to react, and go for the player. It was bad luck, and everyone is hoping Keller makes a full and excellent recovery.

Now, on to Smith. There is little one can say in his defense. He clearly ripped Incognito’s helmet off, then swung at him. Fortunately this swing did not connect with anything but shoulder pads. I get that Smith has a beef with the man and Incognito isn’t one with an angelic reputation. However, that was a dumb move that is going to hurt the team.

Aggression is good, rage controlled is a fabulous weapon on the field. Smith needs to reign it in. The emotion of the moment got to him, focus Ninja focus. Beat him the next play, not upside his head with a helmet… however much you may feel he needs it.

As for Swearinger, hey, the kid thought about the rules, made a mental effort to not layout the receiver with a high hit. Unless the NFL starts going to flag football in those situations people will get hurt. No matter the fines, the rules, the equipment.

So no, I can’t call the team dirty.  Overly aggressive, yes.  Was Smith out of line?  You bet, did he get what he deserved?  Only on the luck of not actually bashing Incognitos face in did he avoid a more serious penalty.  We all want smashmouth hard nosed football players, but no need to go thug okay?   Swearinger made a decision, he went low to avoid a high hit penalty.  It sadly resulted in a serious injury.   I can’t fault him for that.   On a side note as a fan, it’s nice to have a team that isn’t “soft”.

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