Look at the replay, good sir. How can it be a cheap hit when he hits Reed straight up, face-to-face, while the play is still going on? Not only was it legal,ethical, and within the rules, it was SWEET!

What was "cheap" about that hit? Couldn't have happened to a nicer group of guys too.

leading with the helmet a bit?

Seems to be Ward's MO

Ravens ask for it, end of question.

Sorry Sorry....cheap was the wrong word to use. It was definitely a legal hit it was just sneaky in the way he set him up. Plus the play was already over and nowhere near it.

Kinda like the Warren Sapp - Clifton hit.

What's legal about that hit? He led with the helmet. If Ed Reed did that to Hines Ward to break up a pass, he would be fined by the NFL on Tuesday morning. This was not like the Sapp-Clifton hit because that one did not involve a helmet-to-helmet blow.

Hits like this happen every week without penalty or fine, and many more get fined that would seem far less "cheap". I have an earlier game on the DVR where no less than three defensive players are all jumping on Roethlisberger, and all three leading with their helmets, and not a single flag on the play. That's just how this game goes.

What I find amusing though, is Ward simply levels Reed, then flags the Baltimore sideline "hey fellas, I just killed this guy!" while the play is still going. That is football comedy gold.

Actually you're right Anon. That was leading with the helmet. I didn't even think about that the first time. He might pick up a fine for that one.

No, look closer, Hines isn't pointing out his big hit, he's aware how bad he hurt the guy and trying to get Ravens medical dudes over to help him. He does it two times and it's because he's a gentleman. No one with any brains can actually think Hines Ward lays out cheap shots on purpose, the guy is saintly especially in comparison to most NFL players.

Let's face it, it wasn't a cheap it, but a PUNISHING one!!! Hines is one of the toughest players in the league, unlike the thug ravens who after the game can't even accept the loss and have to boast about only giving up 3 points in the second half. Please, had Pittsburgh still been going full throttle, they could have hung another 35 points on them! Go back to the armpit of the earth you call baltimore

ask T.J. Houshmandzadeh about ed reed.

reed got blasted twice and should tell you (sometime next week) that it was legal and solid.

when do these guys play each other again?

Ed McCaffrey was the best blocking WR in NFL history.

If he draws a fine, he draws a fine -- and he'll pay it. But, THIS IS FOOTBALL.

He isn't responsible for making sure Ed Reed is paying attention on the play. It was a legal hit, on a play where if the RB breaks free, it is a necessary block (in front of the run).

Further, Hines hits him and alerts the Ravens immediately that they need their trainers out there.

Comparing this to the Sapp hit years ago is a joke, because Sapp's hit was almost 50 yards BEHIND the play. That's a "disgusting act."

Hines is awesome! I love it when he lays them out like that, and they don't know what hit them. LOL at him calling for someone to help Reed. I wouldn't trade Hines for anybody. He's got a heart for the game like no other.

it was cheap and hines ward is garbage