Drew Brees Faces Ridiculous Criticism for Response to Ahmad Brooks Hit
By Chris Roling
Nov 17, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) clotheslines New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) behind the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) was called for unnecessary roughness penalty. The New Orleans Saints defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Drew Brees is the subject of much scrutiny for the way he reacted to San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks’ hit on Sunday.
You know, the hit that got Brooks flagged and fined by the league.
Here is how Brees reacted to the hit postgame courtesy of ESPN’s Mike Triplett:
"“I can tell you how I felt when I got hit. It felt like I got my head ripped off. And I get up and I’ve got a mouth full of blood. So there was no doubt in my mind that, ‘Hey, it’s gonna be a penalty.'”"
Oh how that is not a popular response.
Look around. Turn on the tube. Go to Brees’ Twitter page. He’s the subject of a ridiculous amount of scrutiny because of his response. He’s being told to “toughen up” and other such moronic things.
Yes, the quarterback who has not missed a start in his NFL career and battled through a career-threatening shoulder injury needs to toughen up.
Right.
And then there’s one Trent Dilfer as Triplett writes:
"Much of the criticism has come from former defensive players, but even an ex-quarterback, ESPN’s Trent Dilfer, said he was “insulted” that Brees said after Sunday’s game that he expected a flag to be thrown. Dilfer stressed on ESPN Radio’s SVP & Russillo show that he wasn’t taking a shot at Brees for being soft, but he said it’s a sign of how times have changed in the NFL, compared to when it was a “badge of honor” for quarterbacks to stand in the pocket and take shots to the face."
So Dilfer is insulted because what? Brees is responsible for how the game has changed?
Dilfer and other critics should direct their anger elsewhere. It’s the league’s problem for changing the way the game is played and officiated. The NFL wants to protect moneymakers like Brees at all costs. Should Brees take criticism for being one of the best? ‘
Of course not.
Like anything else, if these guys want change, they should learn to channel their energy into productive means. Not take it out on a guy who is simply circumstantial in the matter.
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