A powerful tackle that sent Jaxson Dart flying has left one NFL player with a surprising regret. Christian Elliss, the Patriots linebacker, reflects on a game-changing moment that went viral, but it's not the hit that haunts him. In a recent interview, Elliss revealed his true regret: a missed opportunity to take down Devin Singletary on the sideline.
The play in question occurred during the Giants' final drive, with just over two minutes left on the clock. Dart connected with Singletary in the flat, and as the running back weaved up the sideline, Elliss attempted a shove to push him out of bounds. However, his effort fell short, allowing Singletary to gain an extra eight yards.
"I should have laid another shoulder on him," Elliss admitted. But here's where it gets controversial... Elliss believes he should have gone for the hit, despite the risk of drawing a penalty. He explained, "We've got to play smart, but when the opportunity arises to lay a hit on a key offensive player, we won't shy away."
This mindset is influenced by Mike Vrabel, who often shows his players footage of how ball carriers can exploit sideline plays. Elliss continued, "It's happened multiple times where quarterbacks lower their shoulder and hit our defensive backs or linebackers. So, we need to be smart, but also seize the chance to make an impact."
And this is the part most people miss: Elliss' regret isn't just about the missed tackle. It's about the potential impact he could have had on the game. With the Patriots leading by 18 points at the time, a successful tackle could have ended the Giants' comeback attempt.
So, what do you think? Is Elliss' approach to sideline plays too aggressive, or is it a necessary risk to make a statement on the field? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss the fine line between playing smart and making a game-changing impact.
