Steelers receiver Hines Ward knows that plenty of teams would like to take a piece out of him, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh’s opponent for Thursday night.  When the two teams met earlier in the year, a hit from Ward knocked rookie linebacker Keith Rivers out for the year.

But Ward isn’t worried about any revenge for Rivers.

“I always keep my head on a swivel,” Ward said Tuesday. “It’s football. . . .  Their heads should be on a swivel.”

That’s really what it comes down to.  Ward is known for clobbering unsuspecting defensive players, often away from the play.  And so defensive players need to be aware of their surroundings.

The reality, however, is that defensive players are pursuing the ball, which allows blockers to pursue them.  Or, more accurately, to target them for a de-cleater when they least expect it.

The root of the problem is that, for some reason, knocking a dude off his feet when he doesn’t even know it’s coming is celebrated.  Why?  It requires no skill on the part of the person delivering the hit.  But, nevertheless, fans, media, and players are fascinated by the tackling-dummy nature of the maneuver.

Want proof?  Try to watch this clip less than three times.