In a highly anticipated Week 3 matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints on September 22, 2024, a controversial moment overshadowed the game itself: the massive hit delivered by Saints defensive lineman Christian Boyd on Eagles wide receiver Devonta Smith. This hit sparked immediate debate across the NFL world, with fans, commentators, and analysts weighing in on whether the hit was legal or dangerously close to crossing the line. The moment raised questions about the NFL’s player safety policies and the protection of defenseless receivers, especially smaller players like Smith.

This article delves into the hit itself, analyzing whether it was within the NFL's rules and whether it should have been penalized, while also examining both players' roles in their teams, current stats, and the broader discussion around player safety in today's NFL.

The Play: What Happened?

The hit occurred during a crucial fourth-quarter drive when the Eagles, trailing by a slim margin, were looking for a game-changing play. Jalen Hurts, the Eagles' star quarterback, dropped back and fired a pass toward Devonta Smith. Smith, known for his precise route running and reliable hands, was running a crossing route over the middle. As the ball sailed slightly beyond his reach, Smith was defenseless, his body fully extended while attempting to make a play on the ball.

At that moment, Christian Boyd, the 320-pound defensive tackle for the Saints, rushed in and delivered a crushing hit to Smith from behind. The force of the hit was immediate and undeniable, as the 170-pound receiver was launched forward by the impact. The sight of the collision drew gasps from the crowd, and the broadcasters echoed the sentiment.

"It’s a 320-pound guy drilling him full speed here, Greg. Yeah, Christian Boyd, number 97. It looks horrible," said the commentator, voicing what many were thinking in real-time. The brutality of the hit was undeniable. While Smith was able to get back on his feet shortly after, the immediate reaction from fans and analysts alike was to question whether the hit was legal or if Boyd had crossed the line.

Was the Hit Legal?

One of the most significant talking points following the game was whether Boyd's hit should have drawn a flag. According to NFL rules, a hit on a defenseless receiver is illegal if it targets the head or neck area or if the defender leads with their helmet. Hits to the back, though violent, are often legal unless deemed excessively aggressive.

Commentators quickly pointed out that Boyd avoided targeting Smith's head or neck. One broadcaster even clarified, "Just want to be clear, though, he did hit him in the back. He did not hit him in the head." By that definition, Boyd technically avoided the primary criteria for a penalty. He hit Smith squarely in the back, and there was no helmet-to-helmet contact.

Still, many argued that the hit was unnecessary given the situation. Smith was not in a position to defend himself, and the play appeared to be over. Boyd’s decision to deliver a high-speed, full-force hit on a smaller receiver in such a vulnerable position sparked outrage on social media and post-game shows alike.

Should There Have Been a Flag?

While the hit didn’t technically violate the league’s rules regarding defenseless players, many believe a flag could have been thrown for unnecessary roughness. Under NFL rules, unnecessary roughness can be called when a defender delivers a violent hit on a player who is not in a position to protect themselves, even if the hit does not target the head.

Given Smith’s position—stretched out and defenseless—many fans and analysts felt the referees missed an opportunity to throw a flag. Hits like these can have devastating consequences, especially for lighter players like Smith, who weighs only 170 pounds compared to Boyd’s 320 pounds.

In the post-game press conference, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni expressed his concern about the hit, stating, “Devonta is one of the toughest players I’ve ever coached, but hits like that, we have to be careful. We want to protect our guys, and that felt unnecessary.”

Devonta Smith’s Season and Impact on the Eagles

Devonta Smith is not just any wide receiver. Since being drafted by the Eagles, he has established himself as one of the team’s most reliable and explosive offensive weapons. In 2023, Smith had a standout season, racking up over 1,300 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, solidifying his role as a key contributor to the Eagles' offense. His partnership with quarterback Jalen Hurts has been one of the most effective duos in the league, with Smith’s quickness and route-running ability allowing him to get open consistently.

As of Week 3 in the 2024 season, Smith was already off to a fast start, accumulating 189 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns in the first two games. His role in the Eagles' offense cannot be understated. Smith’s ability to stretch the field opens up opportunities for the Eagles' other offensive weapons, including fellow star receiver A.J. Brown.

Losing Smith to injury, especially from a hit as violent as the one delivered by Boyd, would be a major blow to the Eagles' playoff aspirations.

Christian Boyd’s Reputation and Role on the Saints

Christian Boyd, on the other hand, is known for his physical, hard-nosed style of play. At 6’5” and 320 pounds, Boyd is one of the Saints' most imposing defenders. His primary role is to disrupt the opponent’s offensive line, clog running lanes, and create pressure on the quarterback. However, Boyd’s physical playstyle often leads to moments like this, where the line between a clean hit and a dangerous one becomes blurred.

In the 2024 season, Boyd has already made a significant impact for the Saints, recording 3 sacks and 14 tackles through the first two games. His ability to use his size and strength to overpower offensive linemen and get into the backfield makes him one of the most feared defensive linemen in the league. But with that aggressive playstyle comes increased scrutiny.

Boyd’s hit on Smith, while not penalized, added to his reputation as a player who walks a fine line between clean, aggressive football and overly dangerous hits.

The Bigger Picture: Player Safety in the NFL

This incident brings to light the ongoing debate about player safety in the NFL, especially regarding smaller, more vulnerable players like Smith. The NFL has made strides in protecting players from head injuries with stricter rules on helmet-to-helmet contact and targeting, but hits like Boyd’s show that there are still gray areas in the rules.

The disparity in size between players like Boyd and Smith also highlights the physical imbalance that exists in many of these collisions. Smith’s 170-pound frame is significantly lighter than many defenders he faces, making him more susceptible to injury from hits like this one.

Conclusion: Was It Necessary?

In the end, Boyd’s hit on Smith was technically legal but has sparked widespread debate. While it didn’t violate the NFL’s current rules, many believe that the hit was unnecessarily aggressive given Smith’s defenseless position. The NFL’s constant balancing act between maintaining the physical nature of the game and protecting its players will likely continue as incidents like this arise.

Devonta Smith emerged from the game seemingly unscathed, but the Eagles will certainly be keeping a close eye on their star receiver as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Christian Boyd’s hit will serve as a reminder of the fine line between legal play and player safety in today’s NFL.