Someone who was talked about a lot after the game between the Cowboys and Seahawks was Trysten Hill. The Dallas defensive tackle was the protagonist of two plays classified as “dirty” by fans and journalists. One of them, the most controversial, was the tackle that caused the injury of Chris Carson, a running back for Seattle. Many expected Hill to be punished or fined for what happened, and this eventually happened.
Hill received two NFL fines of $ 6,522 each, adding together $ 13,044. The first was for his dangerous tackle on Carson, and the other for his hitting quarterback Russel Wilson. Both actions occurred in the last quarter of the meeting between Dallas and Seattle.
#Cowboys DT Trysten Hill was fined $6,522 for unnecessary roughness — twisting Chris Carson’s leg — and another $6,522 for roughing Russell Wilson in the fourth quarter against the #Seahawks last week.
– Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 3, 2020
Review of Hill’s controversial plays against Seattle
Let’s briefly refresh what happened in the final quarter of the game between the Cowboys and Seahawks.
During a Seattle offensive drive, Trysten Hill lunged at running back Chris Carson grabbing one of his legs to knock him down, then rolled with him. This tackling technique is known as “gator roll ”, and is usually dangerous for the downed player.
In fact, Hill continued to hold Carson’s leg as he spun on the ground. This caused a knee injury to the Seattle running back, who was unable to continue the match. Although the mishap looked serious in replay, Carson was able to walk off the field on his own.
MAJOR dirty play here by #Cowboys Trysten Hill on #Seahawks Chris Carson. Watch as Hill cranks Carson’s lower leg at the knee more than 360°. He’s clearly trying to seriously injure Carson while down. The @NFL needs to review this and suspend Hill for multiple games. #SEAvsDAL pic.twitter.com/ANC9st60t1
— Roberto Shenanigans (@Rob_Shenanigans) September 28, 2020
A few minutes later, Trysten Hill’s second “dirty” play came. This happened on the play that culminated in the score that gave the Seahawks victory. Right after Russell Wilson threw the deep pass that ended in a touchdown, Hill hit the Seattle quarterback on the head.
After that hoof crash, Wilson fell to the ground. That play, which shows that there was an intention on the part of Hill, was not sanctioned by the referees. Had the touchdown not occurred, Dallas could have received a penalty.
First he tried to rip Chris Carson’s leg off earlier in the drive, now another dirty play from #Cowboys Trysten Hill.pic.twitter.com/PGEmZPs8ir
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 27, 2020
Both plays were heavily criticized by fans, commentators and reporters. Obviously, what happened also caused outrage in the Seahawks. In fact, coach Pete Carroll said he was very angry with the tackle that injured Chris Carson.
On the other hand, linebacker KJ Wright made his anger public through his Twitter account. He even called on the NFL to take tough action, as what Hill did was something that could easily end the season for Carson.
KJ Wright is out for blood after the ‘dumb malicious’ hit from Trysten Hill. He along with other Seahawks see it as ‘clearly intentional.’
Hill needs to be suspended. Absolutely unacceptable. @NFL https://t.co/pdoklUfnsU
— Geoff Shull (@LetsSeahawks) September 28, 2020
Was the NFL light on the fine?
Of course, the criticism about the amount of the fine did not wait. For many fans and journalists, this was mild on the part of the NFL. In fact, there are those who indicate that they have seen more expensive fines for minor actions. On the other hand, some asked that Hill have some suspension games.
Jamie Collins was fined $35,096 for this. Trysten Hill was fined $6,522 for trying to destroy Chris Carson’s leg. Makes a lot of sense. https://t.co/GqDXWgUz9t pic.twitter.com/4kkAgoqIjm
— Jared Barsness (@JaredBarsNFL) October 3, 2020
However, that Hill was only fined and not suspended seems fair. First, keep in mind that Hill’s salary is $ 1.2 million a year. Therefore, the amount of both fines does have some impact on the player’s salary.
On the other hand, Chris Carson’s injury was not as serious as previously thought. According to medical examinations, the running back only suffered a knee sprain. Although he was questioned in the Seahawks’ injury report Friday, he is expected to play the Dolphins in Miami today.
Seahawks’ RB Chris Carson, listed as questionable for Sunday with an ankle injury, is expected to play against the Dolphins, per source. RB Carlos Hyde, also questionable Sunday with a shoulder injury, will be a pre-game decision.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 4, 2020
Although Trysten Hill received a fine that may seem mild, the Cowboys defensive tackle will be in the spotlight in future games. The NFL, as well as journalists and fans, will be on the lookout for any unnecessary rudeness on Hill’s part. He, for his part, will now have to deal with the label of “dirty player” that they have put on him.
