The Seattle Seahawks first-team defense only played one series against the Cleveland Browns, but they may have (again) lost a key member of their pass rush in the process.
One play after Uchenna Nwosu was penalized for a drive-extending roughing the passer call, Nwosu was chopped down by Browns right guard Wyatt Teller. A personal foul was called against Teller for the chop block, and Nwosu left the game with a knee injury. He had ice wrapped around his left knee, and as of Sunday we don’t know the status of Nwosu’s health.
We didn’t see many replays of the injury on the television broadcast, but here is the play in question involving Nwosu, Teller, and running back Jerome Ford.
And if you want the All-22 angle at full speed, take a look at this video:
This has been considered a “dirty play” from Seahawks fans.
But is it actually a dirty play?
Former Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Ray Roberts has a different point of view, which emphasizes that cut blocks are legal, but the reason why this is a penalty is the involvement of Jerome Ford.
In case you can’t read the tweet:
So many people are getting this so wrong. #77 is executing a total legal cut block. What makes it a penalty is when the RB makes contact up high making it an illegal “chop” block. Different from a legal “cut” block. This is not a dirty play by 77. It was unfortunate timing.
Those blocks are illegal the moment a defensive player is engaged with another player.
Whether it’s dirty or not, it could be a costly injury for the Seahawks depending on the severity of Nwosu’s injury. He missed much of last season with a torn pec, and now we await the results on his knee.
