Ravens' John Harbaugh defends hit on Titans tight end Delanie Walker
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh defended the hit that Ravens rookie free safety Terrence Brooks put on Tennessee Titans tight end and leading receiver Delanie Walker during Sunday’s game, knocking him out of the game with a concussion.
During the second quarter of Baltimore’s 21-7 victory, Walker went out for a pass and was struck by Brooks after Brooks led with his right shoulder. Walker was helped off the field by trainers and carted off to the locker room. He was later diagnosed with a concussion. Walker had three catches for 37 yards before leaving the game.
Brooks wasn’t penalized on the play although his helmet struck Walker’s head during the hit.
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"I thought the hit was just a great example of a young guy who’s really paying attention to technique, paying attention to the rules, trying to do things the right way," Harbaugh told the TheBaltimore Sun.” "The game can be played in a very physical way still and still adhere to principles of player safety. He did a great job of that."
Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt said he disagreed with that assessment of the play and said the hit should have been penalized. Whisenhunt also said he planned on turning the tape over to the league offices so they can review the play.
Walker, who has 38 catches for 512 yards and four touchdowns this season, is still under the league’s concussion protocol and his status for next Monday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in unknown.
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