In Empty the Notebook, the MMQB's Albert Breer analyzes the uptick in illegal hits resulting in suspension around the NFL, and if the the league is doing what it can to protect the players. Time
Cincinnati Bengals fans worked up over Elder grad Kyle Rudolph doing the Ickey Shuffle during Sunday's rout by the Vikings should've saved their ire for Pittsburgh Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster helping teammate Martavis Bryant celebrate his second-quarter touchdown by mimicking his taunting of Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict after he hit Burfict - resulting in Burfict's concussion - in Pittsburgh's 23-20 win against Cincinnati on Dec. 4.
Burfict, who has missed the past two games as he remains in concussion protocol, responded via Twitter:
More reactions from Twitter:
Smith-Schuster told reporters last week that he felt like his block of Burfict "was a good hit" and insisted that he's "still playing physical" and "that's going to be a part of my game."
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said Smith-Schuster shouldn't have been suspended for the hit.
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