Three Eagles Hit with Fines for Helmet-to-Helmet Hits in Win Over Packers

Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett was fined for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Green Bay running back Jamaal Williams that led to Williams being taken off the field on a stretcher and taken to a local hospital last Thursday night.

The fine was expected.

Eagles safety Rudy Ford was fined for his helmet-to-helmet hit on the game’s first punt that. Unlike the Barnett infraction was a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty, Ford’s hit did not draw a flag. The fine was sort of expected.

Eagles tight end Zach Ertz was fined for a hit at some point during the game against the Packers that also did not draw a flag.

This fine was completely unexpected.

All three Eagles were hit with fines of $28,075 apiece.

The Packers did not escape a fine in a physical game won by the Eagles 34-27. Defensive tackle Kenny Clarke was fined $21,056 for a late hit on Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.

None of the players were hit with suspensions, however.

Barnett’s hit came early in the game, and, because he was not ejected, he made one of the game’s biggest plays later by sacking Aaron Rodgers and forcing a fumble that was recovered by Brandon Graham inside the red zone. The Eagles scored quickly after that for a 21-13 lead.

Earlier in the week, Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said he did not believe that Barnett was targeting anyone.

Derek is running to the football on a pass play,” said Schwartz. “We put a lot of emphasis on guys running to the football, and he's going in trying to get the ball out. He's trying to get a fumble. He's not targeting anyone. He's going in trying to get the football. We want guys hustling. We want guys trying to get that.”

Ford’s hit was highlighted by the FOX broadcast crew of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman and showed as a replay when the telecast returned from a commercial break.

Ertz’s hit is a mystery.