After another look, Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio offered a more tempered response to the hit that injured receiver Amari Cooper in Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos.
Cooper attempted to make a catch over the middle, but was hit by Broncos safety Darian Stewart. Cooper sustained a concussion on what Del Rio initially deemed "a vicious hit."
"In looking at it, in being honest, I think Amari did duck his head as the guy was approaching. That makes it a little harder on the defender," Del Rio said after seeing replays, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.
"That was probably the one piece that I didn't have access to prior to that comment. The reality is, it's harder to be a defensive guy when the offensive guy is ducking his head. That makes it a little more complicated."
Also of note on the play was that Stewart hit Cooper with the side of his body, rather than with his helmet or shoulder.
