Jadeveon Clowney received criticism online for his hit on Carson Wentz that caused the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback to exit Sunday’s Wild Card Game in the first quarter with a possible concussion.
Wentz was scrambling on the play and going down to the ground when Clowney dove in and hit the Eagles quarterback in the back of the head. Wentz’s head then hit the turf hard, so he took shots to both the back and front of his head as a result of the hit.
Clowney was not penalized even though he led with the crown of his helmet when hitting Wentz. This was the officials’ explanation for the lack of a penalty call:
NFL referee Shawn Smith's response to a pool reporter question on Jadeveon Clowney hit on Carson Wentz and why a penalty wasn't called:
"He was a runner and he did not give himself up. We saw incidental helmet contact, and in our judgement, we didn't rule that to be a foul."— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 6, 2020
The Eagles’ offense only managed nine points without Wentz in the 17-9 loss.
Clowney was asked about the hit after the game and said his intent was not to injure Wentz and that he didn’t think it was that bad.
Jadeveon Clowney said the play that led to Eagles QB Carson Wentz leaving the game was a bang-bang play and he had no intentions of injuring him. He said he’s been down the injury road himself and would never try to injure another player. #Seahawks
— Aaron J. Fentress (@AaronJFentress) January 6, 2020
Jadeveon Clowney said he didn’t think his hit on Carson Wentz was that bad, was surprised Wentz had to leave game from it. says he’s already getting ripped in person, online by Philly fans who already, um, dislike him for a hit on Nick Foles when Clowney played for HOU. #Seahawks
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) January 6, 2020
The hit Clowney referenced came last season against Nick Foles. Much like this hit on Wentz, Clowney led with the crown of his helmet. That seems to be his problem. And while I don’t think his intent was to injure Wentz, he needs to stop leading with his crown.
Eagles lineman Jason Peters called the play “dirty” right away.
Jason Peters told Jadeveon Clowney: “Just stay off my quarterback. That was a dirty, dirty play.”
Peters said Clowney replied: “Nah, I was just finishing a play.” #eagles #seahawks
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) January 6, 2020
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson offered a no comment on the hit.
Doug Pederson said he didn’t see the Jadeveon Clowney hit on Carson Wentz. Declined to say what he thought of it or the no-flag from officials. #Eagles
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 6, 2020
