A big news story this offseason was the NFL’s decision to eliminate the hip-drop tackle, a dangerous move that led to a number of high-profile injuries.

The problem may be that it is difficult for officials to determine in real time what a hip-drop tackle is.

There have been a number of plays that weren’t called that looked like hip-drop tackles. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen thought he was the victim of a tackle in Week 1 and argued with officials, but it wasn’t called. Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase argued with officials after a tackle and was given a 15-yard penalty, and he may have been upset that a hip-drop wasn’t called. Chase didn’t comment after the Bengals’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

And the play that injured Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon on Sunday night during a 19-13 win over the Chicago Bears certainly looked like the kind of play the NFL would punish this season.

Mixon was dragged down by Chicago Bears linebacker TJ Edwards, his foot pinned underneath him. It appeared to be a typical hip-drop tackle. Mixon limped off the field and was taken to the locker room. No flag was thrown.

Mixon returned to the game shortly after and was fortunate his injury wasn’t worse.

It’s hard to watch that play and not think it was the illegal hip-drop tackle. Both NBC commentators on Sunday night’s broadcast thought so.

It’s hard to identify all the mechanics of a hip-drop tackle given the speed of the game. But it was added to the rulebook for a reason, and officials should be able to recognize it when it happens. It wouldn’t have helped Mixon and his injury, but maybe it would discourage it in the future, which was the NFL’s intention.