Quote Originally Posted by Reckless Abandon View Post
It's only a "targeting" or "helmet to helmet" penalty if the receiver is "defenseless" while in the process of making the catch. Carlos had already caught the ball and was running through the defense and was not considered "defenseless" so it was a perfectly legal hit. Similar to a running back getting smoked by a linebacker after running through the line.
Any helmet to helmet hit is illegal as well as any hit to the head, whether it's the helmet or forearm or a fist. The rule is to protect players from head injuries.