Aug 17, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) watches from the sidelines during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at FirstEnergy Stadium. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

NFL deems Jarvis Landry's controversial crack-back block legal

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Jesse Reed | Last updated 8/24/18

During last week’s game between the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills, receiver Jarvis Landry absolutely decked cornerback Taron Johnson. He was coming into the middle of the field from the right sideline on a crack-back block, which ultimately sprung Carlos Hyde for a touchdown.

.@God_Son80 laid down an *incredible* block on Hyde’s TD run Friday night

“We scored a touchdown and that’s what it takes sometimes.” » https://t.co/FMDzfrP0ec pic.twitter.com/tX8S5MYMs3
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 19, 2018

The next day, Bills players were highly critical of Landry, calling the play “dirty.” However, Browns head coach Hue Jackson defended his star, saying it was a perfectly legal play.

Now the league has made its stance clear on this topic by taking Landry’s side by not issuing a fine over the play.

Browns WR Jarvis Landry was not fined by the NFL for his block against Bills CB Taron Johnson last Friday. Bills players spoke out against the hit but NFL has deemed it legal.

— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) August 24, 2018

In an age when defensive players are getting not only penalized but also fined over plays that appear to be nothing more than textbook (like this), it’s not hard to understand why the Bills were upset that Landry blew up one of their guys.

But in the end, they’re barking up the wrong tree.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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