Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith got away with an illegal hit on Packers quarterback Jordan Love last Thursday because the officials missed it. But the NFL’s disciplinary office saw it.
The league fined Smith $6,722 for a blow to Love’s head and neck area.
Smith should have been flagged for harassing the passer on the third down incompletion. If he had been, the Packers would have had first-and-10 at the Lions’ 32-yard line, where they likely would have scored at least a field goal, possibly a touchdown. Instead, the Packers punted on the third down incompletion. The Packers probably missed three and possibly seven points in a game where they ultimately lost 34-31.
The league’s disciplinary process often uncovers missed calls, as the league office sees many illegal hits that the on-field officials have missed. This one was a big miss.
