It’s happened once again. One week after Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III was fined for “allegedly faking an injury” versus the Kansas City Chiefs, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was reprimanded for his actions in Week 14.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero relayed the NFL’s decision to fine the Denver Broncos playmaker not once but twice, tweeting: “The NFL fined Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy $36,281 for unsportsmanlike conduct in last week’s loss to the Chiefs — $23,020 for making contact with a game official plus $13,261 for removing his helmet, per sources. No ejection or suspension, but costly nonetheless.”
Chiefs News: Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy Fined After Week 14 Tantrum
This is another show of force from the commissioner’s office, who are trying to outlaw things like faking injuries and making contact with referees. It was somewhat shocking that the official who was bumped did not throw a flag at the time, however, and Pelissero noted why that was extremely important toward the league’s disciplinary action.
“Had Jerry Jeudy been flagged by officials on the field, it’s quite possible the league office would’ve ejected him,” Pelissero informed. “But without a flag, the NFL isn’t allowed to intervene. And suspending a player who wasn’t penalized is a slippery slope. Hence the steep fine instead.”
FanDuel Sportsbook shared video of Jeudy’s outburst at the time, pointing out that the Broncos wideout “scored 2 TDs” after what should have been a penalty — at the very least — and a potential ejection according to Pelissero.
It ended up being a monster performance by Jeudy instead, who finished with eight catches for 73 yards and three scores. Without him, it’s hard to say whether or not Denver comes back and makes it a one-score game in the fourth quarter.
Just like last weekend, Chiefs fans can take some comfort in the fact that the NFL has righted a wrong, but most are very aware that these fines are too little too late on game day. Fortunately, Kansas City was able to hold on and win the game, so there was no harm done this time — key words, “this time.”
Chiefs Should Use Heavy Dosage of Isiah Pacheco vs. Texans
After throwing three interceptions a week ago, the natural impulse from Patrick Mahomes II and this offense will be to come out slinging — scorched earth mode as some would call it.
No one would complain if that’s the end result in Houston, but the Chiefs would be wise to lean on the run game in this one based on the matchup. The Texans actually have an underrated pass defense, ranking 14th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game.
Against the run, they rank dead last as a unit with 165.8 yards allowed on the ground per game. That works out perfectly for KC, who deploys a red-hot running back duo that’s just itching to get more carries.
Along with Isiah Pacheco — who has run the ball for 60 yards or greater in each of the past five games — and Jerick McKinnon, the Chiefs could call upon Ronald Jones II. The third-string ball carrier did not log a single snap last week despite being active in Denver.
If they choose, the coaching staff could also elevate veteran Melvin Gordon III in place of Jones. Either way, a heavy dosage of the rushing attack makes sense as the Kansas City offense attempts to rebound with back-to-back wins on the road after the tough loss in Cincy.
0 Comments