Monday night’s game between the Steelers and Bengals was one that featured several controversial hits. Both JuJu Smith-Schuster and George Iloka were suspended for their helmet-to-helmet shots – though Iloka’s was overturned – which spurred some to ponder what can be done about these dangerous plays.

One option: A targeting rule, similar to the one implemented in college football. If a player is flagged for targeting, he’s ejected from the game. It’s a reviewable play to improve the accuracy of the call, but it’s still polarizing among fans.

Would that work in the NFL where the players are bigger, faster and stronger – where there seems to be more contact to the heads of opposing players?

Sean McVay doesn’t seem to be opposed to the idea, saying he’s “always about that,” referring to improving player safety.

“I think so,” McVay said of whether targeting would work in the NFL. What I think everything is geared towards is just being mindful of in a physical game you want to try to provide the players with as much safety as possible, knowing that there is a physical element to this game. But, I think trying to be able to keep players free from – especially some of those head injuries that do occur – is a big focal point for the league.

“And that’s something that you can’t emphasize enough. You want to try to avoid those and if that’s something that’s going to be intentional about helping to provide a little bit more safety and protection for our players, then we’re always about that.”

Concussions are a weekly occurrence in the NFL, which is a frightening trend. And although the Rams have mostly avoided significant head injuries, McVay is well aware of how many concussions happen across the league each week.

On the flip side, Steelers safety Mike Mitchell has no problem with the physicality in the NFL. He went on a rant Wednesday, blasting the NFL for upholding JuJu Smith-Schuster’s suspension.

It’s certainly a touchy subject and there may not be a way to please everyone. Some players like the big hits but hate the way they’re penalized, while others know the dangers and risks of head injuries.