Derek Barnett was involved in an unfortunate play that sent Green Bay Packers running back Jamaal Williams to the hospital. However, the Eagles defensive end believes that hits like those he did are a part of the game.
Barnett talked about the play that sent Williams off on a stretcher during the Philadelphia Eagles' big win at Lambeau Field. Some fans understandably tagged him as dirty for his rough approach to the game. However, he didn't feel the need to apologize for his way of playing defense.
Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote:
“I’m going to have a penalty here and there,” Barnett said. “It is what it is. I’m not going to be tip-toeing out there, though.”
He further explained his side of the foul:
“I was running to the ball and I didn’t hear a whistle,” said Barnett, who was flagged for an personal foul for unnecessary roughness. “I went in and tried to tackle him because we’re playing football. I wasn’t trying to hurt anybody because it’s our livelihood, this is how we feed our families. So I don’t wish that upon nobody.”
It may have been too rough for Packers Nation, but it was exactly the kind of battling performance the Eagles needed to get a much-needed victory against Green Bay. The offense replied to the defense's resilience and brought the winning touchdown to help secure the victory late in the game.
Barnett himself had a decent game, completing four tackles, two QB hits and forcing a fumble. The Eagles will count on him to impose his will once more when they face the struggling New York Jets.
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