Brandon Browner Not Fined For Hit On Chargers' Ladarius Green
BOSTON (CBS) -- New England Patriots cornerback Brandon Browner was not fined for last Sunday's big hit on San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green.
Browner was flagged for a "helmet-to-helmet" hit on Green in the third quarter of New England's win, though his helmet did not come in contact with Green's. Browner lowered his shoulder and hit the tight end as he tried to catch a pass over the middle from quarterback Philip Rivers, causing the ball to pop into the air and sending Green down to the turf.
New England safety Devin McCourty caught the ball and returned it 56 yards for a touchdown, but the flag on Browner negated the play and resulted in 15 free yards for San Diego, who led the game 14-13 at the time of the play.
Replays show that Browner's hit appeared to be at shoulder pad-level. NFL Vice President of Officiating Dean Blandino reviewed on NFL Network earlier this week, and said the "helmet-to-helmet" call on the field was incorrect.
"When you watch the play, Browner actually does a good job trying to lead with the shoulder and get his head to the side," said Blandino. "You can see his head is to the side and he does lead with the shoulder."
Jim Daopoulos, the former supervisor of NFL officials, joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Felger & Mazz on Monday to discuss the penalty, and said the Pats' defensive back did what the NFL has been telling its players to do.
"It was a bad call and an unfortunate call," he said. "I have been lobbying for years, they have to start reviewing these 'illegal hits.' Browner did exactly what the league has been telling players to do: lead with your shoulder and hit them in the chest area. He did exactly what he's supposed to do, it just looked so bad that they threw the flag."
Browner has been flagged for 12 penalties this season, with 11 of them being accepted. Sunday's penalty against the Chargers was his first for unnecessary roughness.
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