In the Seattle Seahawks’ 30-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers on December 15, 2024, quarterback Geno Smith suffered a knee injury that has sparked a heated debate about the nature of the hit that caused it. The injury occurred when Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper made a low hit on Smith while the quarterback was attempting to throw the ball away during a pass attempt in the third quarter. Smith, who was trying to land on his feet after jumping to release the ball, was knocked off balance by the hit and was forced to leave the game.
After the game, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald provided an update on Smith’s condition, stating that the quarterback’s knee appeared to be “structurally” okay but would require further testing to determine the extent of the injury. Macdonald also praised Smith’s toughness, noting that the injury was severe enough for him not to return to the game. Smith’s replacement, Sam Howell, struggled in relief, completing just five of 14 passes for 24 yards and an interception, further highlighting the impact of Smith’s absence.
While the injury itself was concerning, the hit by Cooper has sparked controversy, with many fans and analysts debating whether it was a “dirty” play. Former NFL referee and NBC Sports rules analyst Terry McAulay stated that the hit was legal because Smith’s feet were not on the ground at the time of the impact. However, despite McAulay’s explanation, many on social media felt the play was unsportsmanlike and intentionally aimed at causing harm.
One fan called the Packers the “dirtiest team in the NFL,” and others took to social media to accuse Cooper of delivering a “clear and obvious low dirty hit” that injured Smith. The hit has led to a barrage of criticism aimed at the Packers, with some questioning the intent behind the tackle and whether it was an intentional attempt to hurt the quarterback. Many fans expressed their frustration, with one posting, “Packers with the dirty hit on Geno,” while another mocked the situation, asking, “Is it ok when a Packer player goes low?”
Despite the criticism, it’s important to note that not everyone views the hit as dirty. Some argue that it was a legal tackle based on the circumstances of the play, with Smith not having both feet on the ground when Cooper made contact. This type of tackle is often scrutinized because of the potential for injury, but the rules of the game are clear on what constitutes a legal hit in such situations.
The debate over whether the hit was dirty or simply part of the game highlights the fine line players and officials must walk when it comes to physical contact in the NFL. With player safety being a key concern for the league, especially when it comes to quarterbacks, even legal hits that result in injuries often attract controversy. In this case, the injury to Smith and the subsequent accusations against the Packers have sparked a broader conversation about the dangers of low hits and the responsibility of defenders to avoid targeting vulnerable areas of a quarterback’s body.
As for Geno Smith, his injury adds another layer of frustration for the Seahawks, who have now dropped to an 8-6 record. With the playoffs still in sight, the team will need to assess Smith’s health carefully and determine whether he can return to action in the near future. In the meantime, the incident has further fueled the ongoing debate about the nature of contact in the NFL and what is considered acceptable by both fans and players alike.
The hit on Smith serves as a reminder of how quickly an NFL game can turn on a single play. While Cooper’s hit might have been legal according to the rules, the backlash shows just how sensitive fans are to the safety of their star players. It will be interesting to see how the league addresses this issue moving forward, as they continue to focus on reducing injuries and maintaining fair play across the board. Whether or not this incident results in disciplinary action or further scrutiny of low hits remains to be seen.