The Minnesota Vikings were penalized for a hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback during Week 2 of the NFL preseason and the linebacker has been fined.
During Week 2 of the preseason, there were quite a few things to dislike about the game between the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars, but one thing in particular should be ruffling the feather of players, coaches, fans, and football fans.
A new rule in place for 2018 sees players getting penalized for driving a player into the ground using their body mass. The Vikings got their first taste of this rule when it was called on linebacker Antwione Williams when sacking Jaguars quarterback Cody Kessler.
On the play, not only did Williams not intentionally land with his weight on Kessler, but his knee hit and some of his body hit the ground first, helping to minimize the impact of bringing the Jacksonville quarterback to the ground.
Despite all that, a flag was drawn on the play for driving the quarterback to the ground. Not only that, but ESPN reports that a fine of $20,054 was handed down for roughing the passer as well.
Meanwhile, ESPN also shared a quote from Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer about the penalty, saying it was a close call but he understands why it was a penalty.
"“After I calmed down a little bit, I looked at it, and [Williams’] head was to the side and he was going to the side,” Zimmer said. “If he would have just rolled, but he kind of pumped him into the turf. I actually think that was a good call.”"
It’s understandable if fans still haven’t ‘calmed down’ following the call. This was seemingly a routine sack during a game that normally wouldn’t draw any extra attention or definitely not a flag or a fine.
The Pioneer Press reportedly spoke with Antwione Willams about the fine. Williams seemed surprised by the amount of the fine as well as the fact that he was fined at all according to the new rule, explaining why it seems excessive.
"“The rules are still new and everything, but $20,000?” Williams told the Pioneer Press after Minnesota’s 21-20 preseason win over Seattle on Friday night. “I watched it from multiple angles and I didn’t even really land on him with all my weight or any partial of my weight. I just think it’s a little extreme. That (fine) was ridiculous.”"
Not only was that explanation logical, but it is likely fans of both Minnesota and Jacksonville would agree that there was no ill intent from the sack and handing down a fine to go along with the penalty is a bit much.
Williams continued, saying that he will appeal the NFL’s decision to fine him for the play.
"“I was real surprised,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting to get fined. They usually wait until the season starts but, again, it’s just kind of ridiculous. Oh yeah, I’m going to appeal it.”"
Hopefully, the NFL will review the penalty and see that handing down a fine to the Minnesota Vikings linebacker in this situation is excessive. Antwione Williams has a great case for why he could win his appeal, but this hefty fine serves as a stern warning to players who are looking to make plays.