This will unlikely sit well with many people, but Tennessee Titans defensive standout Brian Orakpo claims the hit that concussed Joe Flacco was the Baltimore Ravens quarterback's own fault.
“It’s definitely unfortunate,” Orakpo said, via Jason Wolf of the Tennesseean. “But Flacco needs to get down a little earlier if you want to avoid that. I mean, just play the next down. Don’t be trying to reach for the first down. That’s what happens. Old buddy Kiko was in the situation where the guy’s still running the ball, and any defender will tell you they’ll do the same thing.”
“Just get down early, play the next down, and you won’t be in that situation. That goes for any quarterback that’s out there, man. Don’t go out there running around, trying to make a play when it’s not necessary.”
When reading his quote, it isn't as awful as it sounds without the context. In fact, Brian Orakpo is just voicing something many defensive players around the National Football League feel. That, the offensive players get some weird benefit of the doubt, while guys on his side of the football are just trying to make plays.
Article Continues BelowTitans safety Kevin Byard said he’s been in similar spots.
“It was a pretty nasty hit,” Byard said. “Do I think it was legal or not legal? I don’t really think that’s up to me, but I know for a fact, playing defense, knowing it was third-and-long, he was trying to get the first down, and I’m pretty sure Kiko Alonso didn’t want him to get the first down, so it’s kind of a bang-bang type deal.”
Nevertheless, Joe Flacco supporters are unlikely thrilled with him being used as a talking-point.