The NFL has determined that Frankie Luvu delivered an illegal hit on Jared Goff during a pick-six by the Washington Commanders last Saturday. However, a fine does little to ease the frustration for the Detroit Lions organization or their fans.
Luvu was fined $16,883 for a roughing the passer penalty after hitting Goff in the head while blocking as teammate Quan Martin returned an interception for a touchdown in the second quarter of their NFC divisional playoff game at Ford Field. The NFL announced fines from last weekend’s games on Saturday afternoon.
No flag was thrown on the play, though a 15-yard penalty would have wiped out the touchdown and placed the Commanders around the Lions’ 22-yard line. The hit occurred near the 7-yard line, and Goff had to leave the game briefly to be evaluated for a concussion.
Washington, a 9½-point underdog, routed the Lions, 45-31, to secure a spot in the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Shortly after the pick-six, Luvu delivered an illegal hip-drop tackle on Jahmyr Gibbs, though it was not flagged. He received another $16,883 fine for unnecessary roughness, marking his second fine from the game.
Lions receiver Jameson Williams was fined $25,325 for unsportsmanlike conduct (an obscene gesture) following his touchdown run in the second quarter. Teddy Bridgewater was in the game at the time, as Goff had temporarily left to be evaluated but later returned to the sidelines with his helmet, cleared to play.
This was Williams’ fourth fine of the season, not counting his two-game PED suspension, during which he forfeited $210,270.
