Buccaneers Linebacker Fined for Unnecessary Roughness During Eagles Game
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense was able to shut down a potent Philadelphia Eagles’ offense last week in their dominant 32-9 Wild Card victory that moved the Bucs onto the next round of the playoffs to face off against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Head coach Todd Bowles called an excellent defensive game, bringing exotic blitzes on a regular basis that was able to stymie the Eagles’ offense, in particular their run game.
A major aspect of the Eagles’ game on offense comes down to their patented “Philly Shove” where Jalen Hurts lines up under center and proceeds to get pushed forward by the backs behind him in short yardage and goal-to-go situations. The play has become extremely successful over the course of the past two seasons.
The Buccaneers have shown to be one of the best defenses at being able to stop the “tush push” as they stopped the Eagles twice this season on that exact play. In their most recent stoppage, the Bucs were able to stuff the play at the goal line that held the Eagles from converting a two-point conversion.
Thanks to a huge push from Vita Vea and company down low, up-and-coming linebacker, K.J. Britt came over the top and pulled Hurts away from the goal line. The play by Britt likely should have been flagged for a face mask, but the refs ultimately did not make that determination.
Following the game the NFL announced it would be fining the Buccaneers’ linebacker $5,592 dollars for unnecessary roughness on the play.
Money well spent.
Even if the flag had been thrown and the Eagles did convert the 2-point conversion it likely would not have changed the outcome of the game as the Buccaneers seemed in control from the jump. It could have swayed momentum, but the Bucs, playing in front of their home crowd, had everything going their way that Monday night.
The Buccaneers' defense and K.J. Britt will need another outstanding performance as they face off against the potent Detroit Lions in the Divisional round of the playoffs.
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