The Detroit Lions will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but there was still talk of their matchup last Wednesday.Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the controversy over safety Kerby Joseph, who drew criticism this week for a low pass that left Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee with both a torn ACL and MCL.On the play, Joseph lowered his helmet and fired it toward Higbee and into his legs, causing his right knee to buckle grotesquely:Rams believe TE Tyler Higbee tore his ACL after reacting to a hit by Detroit safety Kerby. Joseph, sources say. Additional tests are performed to confirm the initial diagnosis. pic.twitter.com/ZnojOTMwci— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 15, 2024The hit drew criticism from the Rams and the rest of the football world, most notably from Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Video released Wednesday showed Stafford confronting Joseph right after the play and telling him you’re dirty and you know it. It was on tape and I saw it. andquot;Kerby Joseph HeadshotKerby Joseph.
Many fans mourned Joseph, a sophomore at Illinois who took some questionable hits during his short career. Similar success was seen with similar results by Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson, a former Lion. Rams star rookie Puka Nacua took a hip drop, another controversial hit. There, he ran directly into the leg of Rams offensive lineman Steve Avila.Asked about Josephand’s reputation and coaching young players, Campbell defended Josephand’s style of play:“That’s how we play football here. Keep your head up, watch where you hit. That’s what I always tell Kerby. Just keep your eyes up so you don’t hit the crown of the helmet. If you hit the spine, screw up there. Just watch where you hit.He goes to the thigh and keeps away from the end. This is how we protect here. Don’t be dirty. We hit.andquot;It should be noted that Josephand#039’s helmet was completely down when he approached Higbee and his legs..
Joseph also defended his play after Sunday’s and #039;game, saying he had no intention of hurting Higbee when he called himself and the mf a dog after he came out of my womb.andquot;EVERYONE SERIOUS…. THIS GAME WE PLAY IS VERY DANGEROUS…. I pray for my brother and his family. I don’t mean to hurt anyone with their body or damage their career. I have been a mf dog since I came out. me It seems likely that the Tampa Bay Buccaneersand#039; skill players will be on call when they face the Lions in the divisional round. Detroit’s other starting safety, C.J. Gardner-Johnson already made headlines for talking up Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield for an early win with his response.