Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was knocked out of Sunday's AFC championship game after a helmet-to-helmet hit delivered by Jaguars safety Barry Church. The play resulted in a 15-yard penalty against Jacksonville. This is the exact type of dangerous blow the NFL wants to remove from the sport.
Helmet to Helmet hit on Gronk.. pic.twitter.com/8h31jfOKeg
— Laurie Fitzpatrick (@LaurieFitzptrck) January 21, 2018
I’ll LOL if Gronk returns. pic.twitter.com/10oJmSs7qg
— Warriors Talk (@JaeAzizi) January 21, 2018
It was a clear helmet-to-helmet hit, but was it necessary?
Well, allow Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman to explain why Church's decision in real time isn't so easy.
The hit on Gronk is the only way Church could have done his job without just obliterating Gronks knee. If he would have just hit him low most ppl would calm him dirty. So there is nothing he can do to make everyone happy and do his job. Unless you think he should let him catch
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) January 21, 2018
Would love to see some of these fans play the game. They all have such great perspectives 🙄. Couldnt even imagine playing at the speed and intensity that these men are playing at. Split second decisions.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) January 21, 2018
MORE: Patriots vs. Jaguars updates
Sherman also seemed to take umbrage with a pass interference call on the same drive, a penalty that put the Patriots in the red zone and led to a touchdown just before halftime.
Folks... this is Defense Pass interference now.... pic.twitter.com/aWd8RQi9yh
— Laurie Fitzpatrick (@LaurieFitzptrck) January 21, 2018
Maybe one day ppl will support the need to change DPI to a 15yard penalty. But hey they want to see points right.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) January 21, 2018
The Jaguars took a 14-10 lead into the locker room at halftime. Gronkowski was later ruled out for the game with a head injury.
