NFL pressured after no-call on alleged hip-drop tackle that caused injury to Texans' Joe Mixon

The NFL commissioner spearheaded the implementation of a new rule, which was approved unanimously by owners despite opposition from the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The union expressed concerns that the rule would create confusion for players, coaches, officials, and fans.

It appears the NFLPA’s fears may have been correct.

On Sunday night, during the third quarter of the game between the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears, Joe Mixon, the Texans' running back, was tackled by T.J. Edwards of the Bears. Mixon felt that the tackle was illegal and sustained an ankle injury as a result. He briefly returned to the field before being taken out again.

Mixon made his feelings known about the move on X.

The NFL and NFLPA emphasized a rule for a reason," Mixon wrote. "It's time to back up your words with actions.

"Upon rising, I inquired with the ref about the location of the flag that resulted from a hip tackle, and his response was "No, it wasn't.""

DeMeco Ryans, the Texans head coach, stated that he would need to review the play before determining whether it was a swivel hip-drop tackle that caused injury to Mixon.

"Joe was rolled up by the guy's weight on his ankle. He said via ESPN, 'I hope I'm okay.' We'll evaluate him throughout the week."

Through the first two weeks of the regular season, it seems that NFL officials are facing a real-time challenge when calling fouls.

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