ALLEN PARK – Lions safety Kerby Joseph T.J. Hockenson’s ACL and MCL hurt his leg last month at Minnesota State and brought some heat. Joseph then tore Tyler Higbee’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in this weekend’s wild-card win over the Los Angeles Rams, taking another major hit to his leg and adding more heat.
Some people call it dirty. He doesn’t care. “People are going to say what they’re going to say,” Joseph told MLive after the tournament ended Wednesday afternoon. “I don’t pay much attention to them. I’m here to play football and win matches. This is my main point of interest now. “I don’t have time to pay attention to what people say.
“Joseph’s final touchdown came with 5:10 left in Sunday night’s playoff game between the Lions and the Rams. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw a pass up the middle of the field and Higbee ran the ball back for a touchdown.
Joseph then dropped his head and fell at Higbee’s feet, blowing up the play and sending the tight end into a pinch first.
Despite the injury caused by the big hit, the Lions insist it was fair play, especially in today’s NFL, which has strict target limits for hitting offensive players. The one thing coach Dan Campbell tells Joseph is to keep his head up to avoid injury.
“That’s how we play football here,” Campbell said. “Raise your head and see what affects you. I always say something to Kirby. Keep your eyes peeled for it to hit the top of the helmet and slam into your spine, wreaking havoc. See what affects you. But no. He goes to the hipboard and goes around the head. This is how we defend ourselves here. It is not dirty. You know, we hit it off.
Joseph echoed those thoughts, saying he wouldn’t change a thing about the play after watching the film again.
“Honestly, I felt like fighting.” Joseph said sadly. “I’m sorry what happened to him. You know what I mean?” I am praying for him and his family. Yes, I just went and fought. “I trust my body and my instincts.
“Lions safety Sidi Doos criticized Stafford, saying the former Lions quarterback should be more careful about protecting pass catchers with ball placement.
