HERE WE GO: Lions’ Dan Campbell Makes Strong Statement on Safety Accused of ‘Dirty’ Hit

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is behind Kirby Joseph after the second-year safety was accused of giving a “dirty” hit to Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee that injured him.
standing in Higbee was injured on Sunday after taking a low hit from Kirby in the fourth quarter of the Lions’ 24-23 win.
ESPN reported that Joseph suffered a torn ACL during the game, and Joseph came under fire for what some, including Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, considered a dirty play.
But Campbell defended Joseph this week, saying he made the tackle as the safety taught him to.
Lions Coach: “That’s the way we play football.
” Campbell, referring to Kirby’s hit on Jan.
17, cautioned the guard not to lead with his helmet or aim for Higbee’s head.
He told reporters that he was doing so.
The Lions coach emphasized that Kirby’s goals were consistent with the team’s physical defensive style and were not dirty.
“That’s how we play football here.
Just keep your head up and see what hits.
I always tell Kirby that,” Campbell said, via SI.com .
“Keep your eyes open to avoid hitting the top of your helmet.
If it hits your spine, you’re screwed right there.
Look what you hit.
But no, he wanted to attack the thigh board and get out of his head.
That’s how we play defense here.
We’re not dirty, we’re just hitting.
” Joseph was in trouble earlier this season with a low blow similar to T.J.
The Minnesota Vikings were attacked.
Hockenson also suffered a torn cruciate ligament.
Stafford appeared to reference the hit ball during Sunday’s game when he confronted Joseph after Higbee’s injury and accused the Lions of playing “dirty.
” “You’re so fucking dirty,” Stafford yelled at Joseph.
“It’s on tape.
I saw it.
” Lions players defend teammates Many of Joseph’s teammates also defended Joseph, including linebacker Alex Anzalone, who said Joseph’s He pointed out that hitting the ball is exactly how the league instructs defenders to tackle.
I even have to comment on that,” Anzalone said, via SI.com.
“That’s the way the league office wants us to approach it” responsibility for putting the ball in a dangerous spot for the tight end.
He said legendary quarterback Tom Brady often blames quarterbacks for forcing dangerous hits when receivers lean in to catch poorly thrown balls.
I pointed out what you said.
“If you feel like somebody on the Rams is dirty, tell the quarterback not to put the ball where he could hurt a player,” Gardner-Johnson said after the game.
“Brady always says that.
” Joseph also defended the hit and expressed sympathy for Higbee on social media, but also stressed that he won’t stop playing hard.
“Seriously… This game we play is extremely dangerous….
I’m praying for my brother and his family.
I have no intention of hurting anyone or hurting their career,” Joseph wrote.
“I’ve been a MF dog since I came out of the womb and all of you here are gone, take that away from me #GODBLESS.
” Nathan Doherty on Heavy.com I’m a sports reporter who covers the Buffalo Bills and Detroit.
Lions reported.
He previously wrote for the Rochester Business Journal and served as an associate editor for the sports magazines Coaching Management, Athletic Management, and Training & Conditioning.
He lives in Rochester, New York and loves all things soccer.
Learn more about Nathan Dougherty Read more Football, NFL Follow the Lions closely!
More tough news for the Lions Kelly Stafford runs down the sideline.