NFL Reviewing Vontaze Burfict's Low Hit On Martellus Bennett In Patriots-Bengals
BOSTON (CBS) -- By the end of the Patriots' 35-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, linebacker Vontaze Burfict had lost his cool, as he has shown a history of doing in his career. Although Burfict's antics actually led to two personal fouls for the Patriots, it was a low hit on Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett that could get Burfict in more trouble than anyone on New England.
On a 3rd-and-2 play with 11:22 remaining in the fourth quarter, Burfict dove into the tight end's leg and knee area from behind. Bennett did not appear to be injured on the play, which did not result in a penalty flag for Burfict.
ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted on Monday morning that the NFL is reviewing Burfict's low hit, noting that, "A player's history can factor in to potential discipline." Burfict was suspended for the first three games of the 2016 season due to "repeated violations of player safety rules."
ESPN's Dan Graziano tweeted on Monday that Bennett said Burfict apologized to him for the hit and said that it wasn't intentional, but considering Burfict's checkered past, the league offices may look at the play differently. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network says to expect a "big fine" and not a suspension for the hit.
