The Detroit Lions secured a 34-31 victory over their archrival, the Green Bay Packers, in a thrilling Thursday Night Football matchup on December 5. However, while the win was a positive outcome, some Lions players are now facing consequences off the field.
Specifically, two Lions players have been hit with NFL fines for incidents during the game, one involving Packers quarterback Jordan Love.
Za’Darius Smith Penalized for Hit on Jordan Love
During the game, Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith delivered a hit to the head of Jordan Love. Although no penalty flag was thrown at the time, Smith wasn’t able to avoid postgame discipline.
On Saturday, December 14, the NFL announced that Smith would be fined $6,722 for the play. The league classified the incident as “roughing the passer” due to a blow to Love’s head and neck area.
Notably, Smith played three seasons with the Packers before joining the Lions, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the incident.
Rookie Christian Mahogany Also Fined
Lions rookie Christian Mahogany was also penalized by the NFL. The fine stems from a facemask penalty committed during one of his three offensive snaps in the game. Mahogany will have to pay $4,609 for the violation.
While fines are never welcome, Smith and Mahogany’s penalties pale in comparison to the week’s largest NFL fines. Both Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White and Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco were fined $45,020 for unnecessary roughness involving the use of their helmets.
Lions’ Win Tightens NFC North Race
Despite the fines, the Lions’ victory over the Packers was critical in maintaining their lead in the NFC North. With Green Bay now further behind, Detroit’s main competition in the division is the Minnesota Vikings, who they’ll host on January 5.
Dan Campbell Reflects on Big Win Ahead of Bills Matchup
While the Packers game was significant, Lions head coach Dan Campbell emphasized the importance of staying focused as the team prepares to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, December 15.
“We know this is a big game because it’s a really good opponent, and it’s the next one in front of us,” Campbell said on Friday, December 13. “But we just played a big game. Green Bay was a big game against a really good opponent. To me, this is just the next one—it’s not, ‘Oh, this is going to be bigger than the one we just played.’ That’s how I view it.”
Lions’ Injuries Impact Defensive Lineup
The Lions are grappling with several injuries ahead of their game against the Bills. Key defensive players like Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin remain on injured reserve.
To bolster their linebacker corps, Detroit elevated Abraham Beauplan and Jamal Adams to the active roster on Saturday. The Lions will need all the help they can get to face one of their toughest opponents this season.
