Since when is it okay to take out a guy's knee in an NFL exhibition game?

[Auggie]

Nearly happened last night in the Texans / 49ers game. Houston cornerback Kareem Jackson led his helmet into the knee of San Francisco running backs Brandon Jacobs early in the first quarter. Jacobs' leg was firmly planted; fortunately, Jackson missed hitting it square-on by a few inches.

No ligament damage ... MRI scheduled today. He could miss the opener against Green Bay. Maybe not.

Jackson could have ended Jacobs season right there. Perhaps his career. I'd call that a dirty, unwarranted play, especially in a meaningless exhibition.

[Iggo]

1. Didja see the headshot that guy gave Leinart the other night?

Like him or not, that's a bullshit hit.

This shit's gettin' outa hand.

[Auggie]

2. Missed it

I know players are trying to impress coaches, but lay off the cheap shots. Especially in exhibition play.

[JonLP24]

3. I saw it

I thought it was sad. I know he'll be on draft bust lists but I believe he's had an unlucky career. After waiting behind Warner, Anderson was chosen over him then he goes to Houston for a couple of years. After playing about 1 half last season before getting injured, the third stringer ends up winning a bunch of games for Houston including going to the second round of the playoffs.

Then that night he was actually playing quite well. Not only was it a head shot, it was incredibly late by Larry Lumpkin who is fighting for a roster spot. I have no idea if he was fined or not but I thought to myself if it is the going rate, he probably can't afford it.

[Iggo]

4. "...he probably can't afford it."

That's what I thought. I think that's what the announcers thought, too. They quit talking about it after a minute, though, and never brought it up again.

[JonLP24]

5. I saw a clip of the play

I disagree that it was dirty and even unwarranted. The most effective way to tackle someone that is big and hard to tackle is going for the legs. I think Jacobs fits that profile.

You could say it wasn't necessary to go for the legs in a pre-season game but I was taught to go for the legs in a meaningless high school practice.

[Auggie]

6. I thought you wrapped up legs with your arms, not by aiming the helmet

Perhaps dirty is the wrong word. Still seems reckless and unwarranted for preseason.

[JonLP24]

7. I think

that is what he was attempting to do. When you go for the legs, you're not going to do a baseball slide, your going to dive head-first.

I looked up their height and weight, the CB is 5'10 188, Jacobs is 6'4 265. I imagine w/ his training and experience he knows to go for the legs w/ carriers Jacobs' size. He tries to wrap up Jacobs up high, he likely is going to get ran over.

On edit - I forgot, wrapping up legs is one way, another is causing the player to trip.