Is anyone surprised that teams target players that have had recent injuries? The Giants went after the same 49'ers KR with the concussion and caused two fumbles because of it which led directly to them winning that game.
I don't mean to sound as if I'm advocating cheap shots or dirty play, I just think if you're playing all-out within the confines of the rules, and you're trying to "kill the QB" that's ok. Not literally kill him, but hitting the guy as hard as you possibly can? Sure. And guys can talk about not wanting to hurt other guys but when you're in that situation you have to sort of concede that is a likely result, don't you?
"Hi, I'm a 320 pound defensive tackle who outweighs you by over a hundred pounds and I'm going to slam into you with as much physical force as I can muster while you're in a relatively defenseless position, BUT I'M NOT TRYING TO HURT YOU AT ALL."
Some of the violence from the 60's and 70's would probably blow people's minds today. You want to talk about physical brutality? Watch some old tape of Dick Butkus or Night Train Lane. They were trying to lay guys out, no joke. And they weren't looking for payouts either, dudes were just flat out mean.
Anyway, just my two cents, not trying to be a pot-stirrer or anything, I don't even follow the game that closely anymore. I can understand and respect that this stuff is pretty repulsive to a lot of people. I guess I'm just jaded in that respect.