Bengals coach Has Issued His Honest Opinion Over The Criticism On Linebacker Amid Ravens Incidence…

Bengals coach Zac Taylor fervently supported linebacker Logan Wilson in the face of criticism over his tackle on Baltimore tight end Mark Andrews and other plays that led to injuries for Ravens players during Thursday night’s game.

Expressing frustration with the current narrative surrounding Wilson, Taylor deemed it “completely reckless.” He emphasized Wilson’s commitment to playing the game with integrity, expressing discontent with premature characterizations of the linebacker.

Taylor stated, “It’s frustrating to see that because I know what the guy is about. And I know that he’s trying to play the game the right way.”

During the game, Wilson employed the “hip-drop” maneuver to bring down Andrews, a move that has sparked discussion throughout the year. In March, the NFL Players Association opposed banning the hip-drop, deeming it “unfair to players and unrealistic to implement.”

However, in October, NFL’s vice president of health and safety, Jeff Miller, presented data at owners’ meetings indicating a 25 times higher injury risk associated with the hip drop compared to a normal tackle.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh criticized Wilson’s tackle on Andrews, labeling it a “definitely a hip-drop tackle” and questioning its necessity. In contrast, Taylor stood by Wilson, stating, “He’s a guy I’m proud to coach and proud to be a part of this team.”

Wilson was unavailable to reporters after the game, but Taylor, after briefly leaving the press conference, returned to issue a statement on Wilson in the midst of the backlash. Taylor acknowledged the unfortunate nature of injuries but reiterated Wilson’s commitment to helping the team win.

Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen defended the hip-drop, underscoring the physical nature of football. Wilson was involved in other plays resulting in injuries, including a tackle on Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and chasing down Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who did not return to the game.

Harbaugh hinted that the Ravens would seek a league office review of Wilson’s tackle on Jackson, stating, “There are always plays you send into the league to have them look at and have them interpret for you.”