NFL fines Ravens LB Roquan Smith over $16,000 dollars for the hip-drop tackle that ended Chris Godwin’s season

At first glance on the TV show, it didn’t look like Smith made a hip-drop tackle. However, All-22 footage shot from the end zone shows Smith making upper body contact with Godwin and wrapping both arms around him. Immediately after contact is made, Smith’s legs swing forward and his body lands on Godwin’s left leg, causing an ankle injury.

Smith was not flagged for a tackle during the match.

Results like Monday night are what this league is all about banned hip-drop during the League’s Annual Meeting in March. This isn’t the first significant hip tackle to result in an injury – Texas running back Joe Mixon was tackled by Bears linebacker TJ Edwards on a hip tackle in Week 2, causing a sprained ankle that cost Mixon three games – but it did cause the most serious injury star this season. Despite the league’s efforts, it is clear the tackle will not disappear from football immediately, as Smith became the 10th player to be fined for the tackle this season.

The injury ended what could have been the best season of Godwin’s career. In seven weeks, he recorded a league-leading 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns, a perfect complement to Buccaneers star Mike Evans’ offense.

Evans also missed Monday’s game with a hamstring injury, resulting in a nightmare night for the Buccaneers.