The NFL handed out its Week 12 fines on Sunday, and three Detroit Lions players ended up on the league’s naughty list, including one who’s starting to make this a weekly habit.
Detroit’s overtime win against the New York Giants was physical, intense, and filled with big moments. But according to the NFL, a few of those moments crossed the line.
Brian Branch Hit With Fifth Fine of the Season
Safety Brian Branch was fined again, and at this point, Lions fans are probably shrugging more than they’re surprised.
Branch received a $23,186 fine for a hit on a defenseless Wan’Dale Robinson in the first quarter. The penalty was flagged immediately during the game, and the league followed up with a significant fine.
Dan Skipper Fined for Taunting
Veteran offensive tackle Dan Skipper didn’t draw a flag on the field, but the league saw something it didn’t like on film review. Skipper was fined $6,917 for taunting after he stood over a Giants defender following an incomplete pass to Jahmyr Gibbs.
Jack Campbell Penalized for Hip-Drop Tackle
Linebacker Jack Campbell was also fined for a play that didn’t draw a penalty in real time. Campbell’s hip-drop tackle on Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. resulted in a $17,389 fine.
Campbell has quietly been one of Detroit’s most consistent defenders this season, but the league is aggressively policing hip drops, and he wasn’t spared.
Big Picture for Detroit
Detroit has bigger problems right now, namely, falling to 7-5 and losing crucial ground in the NFC North after the Thanksgiving loss to Green Bay. But fines like these keep adding up for the Lions’ defense, especially for Branch.
Discipline hasn’t been Detroit’s strong suit this season, and these latest league rulings reflect that.
Bottom Line
Three Lions defenders made big plays in Week 12. The NFL says a few of them were too big. And now Branch, Skipper, and Campbell will be writing checks because of it.
One Response
Where’s the fine for the Giants defender kicking Goff in the head after sacking him?