Tag: strip sack

Cowboys DE Randy Gregory’s violent strip sack wins Week 6 ‘Way to Play’ Award

Randy Gregory’s takedown of the Patriots QB wasn’t just a game-changer, it was a textbook example of today’s preferred tackling technique. | From @ToddBrock24f7

Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory was praised by his coaches this week, singled out as an example for younger players to follow thanks to the consistent approach he takes to his craft. Now he’s being spotlighted for how textbook-perfectly he executed that craft in one notable moment last Sunday.

Gregory has been awarded the NFL Way to Play Award for Week 6 for that second-quarter demolition job on Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. The award is handed out based on recommendations from a panel that includes former players Merrill Hoge, Orlando Pace, Ronnie Lott, Willie McGinest, and Michael Robinson. NFL Network’s Good Morning Football crew made the announcement on the show this week.

As per the official explanation of the award, “With 10:14 remaining in the second quarter, Gregory demonstrated proper pass-rushing technique by keeping his head up and out while leading with his shoulder as he sacked Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. He made sure he did not land on the quarterback with his body weight as he made the tackle. His play led to a forced fumble that was recovered by Cowboys defensive end Chauncey Golston for a takeaway.”

The league often catches flak these days from old-school fans for having become “soft,” but Gregory’s game-changing and de-cleating tackle shows that an unabashedly violent hit can still be totally by-the-book.

It was the kind of tackle that belongs in a NFL time capsule to show future generations. And now it’s being held up around the league to today’s players as the right way to play.

Gregory will receive a personal letter from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, plus a $2,500 equipment donation through USA Football to be awarded to a local youth or high school football program of his choice.

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WATCH: Former Wisconsin S Eric Burrell’s strip sack in his first preseason game

Watch Former Wisconsin safety Eric Burrell’s huge hit in his debut for the New Orleans Saints:

Several former Wisconsin Badgers put on NFL uniforms for the first time in the last few days including Raiders running back Garrett Groshek, Packers offensive linemen Jon Dietzen and Cole Van Lanen and New Orleans Saints safety Eric Burrell.

Related: LOOK: Former Badgers in their first NFL preseason action

In his first preseason action against the Baltimore Ravens, former Wisconsin S Eric Burrell made a huge hit on the line of scrimmage to strip-sack Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley. In addition to the huge hit, the former Badger had six solo tackles in his Saints’ debut.

Burrell was signed as an undrafted free agent in May and will likely have a difficult journey to make the New Orleans roster. However, if he can continue to make huge plays like this, the rookie safety will be on an NFL roster come September.

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