There’s still fallout from the Lions’ big Week 7 win, and it has nothing to do with the scoreboard. The NFL has officially handed out a hefty fine to a key Buccaneers player for a hit that happened during Detroit’s victory — and what’s wild is that the referees didn’t even throw a flag when it happened on the field.
According to league officials, the play involved unnecessary roughness, the kind of dangerous contact the NFL claims it wants to eliminate. Even without a penalty at the time, the league reviewed the tape and decided the hit crossed the line. So while the game moved on, the player’s bank account didn’t.
This is becoming a theme for Detroit opponents. The Lions are playing a physical brand of football under Dan Campbell — one that pushes teams to get chippy and emotional. Sometimes that leads to questionable tackles, and the NFL has made it clear they will step in afterward if officials miss something.
For Lions fans, it feels like a bit of justice served. The team fought hard for that win, and seeing a rival fined after a borderline play adds just a little extra satisfaction. But more importantly, it shows something about Detroit’s presence this season: they’re tough enough to frustrate teams, skilled enough to beat them, and respected enough that the NFL is watching those hits closely.
As Detroit keeps rolling through the schedule, one thing is clear. Opponents can try to hit hard — but playing the Lions is proving to be a costly mission.
No questions asked, the road to beating Detroit now comes with a price tag.
Hit Goes Unflagged… But League Still Hits Bucs Star in the Wallet
