Ravens players defend Logan Wilson

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson has been under fire from Baltimore Ravens fans and the national media for a few days now. Wilson was involved in plays where Mark Andrews was lost for the season, Lamar Jackson limped away, and Odell Beckham Jr. suffered a minor shoulder injury.

The main focus has been Wilson’s tackle of Andrews, which is being labeled as a “hip drop” tackle. Andrews caught a pass and turned upfield toward the end zone as Wilson tackled him from behind. Wilson landed on Andrews’ ankle, leading to an injury we have learned cost Andrews his season.

While Baltimore fans calling for Wilson’s discipline is understandable, as they’re fans of the team, it appeared the national media took to Twitter to try to paint Wilson as some sort of villain.

When it comes to the players, who assume large risks every Sunday, none seem to share the same sentiment as the internet experts. That includes players on Cincinnati’s AFC North rival.

Ravens defensive lineman Patrick Ricard made sure to relay that Wilson has never had a reputation for playing dirty and that the tackle wasn’t intentional.

“Everybody respects him. I don’t think it was intentional or dirty,” Ricard told BaltimoreRavens.com. “I think he’s a great player. I have respect for him and think he plays the right way. I’ve never had a problem with him or heard that anyone had a problem with him.”

Ricard wasn’t the only one to defend Wilson. Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen spoke about the hip drop tackles.

“I hate that Mark is hurt. Prayers for him,” Queen said. “But at the end of the day, we play football. We play a tackling sport. I don’t think a hip drop tackle is that bad of a thing. How else do you want us to tackle? Just let the guy run past you?”

Naturally, Bengals fans and head coach Zac Taylor have defended Wilson, but if the players on the team on the losing end of an injury situation don’t have an issue, maybe guys like Ian Rapoport should just relax.