NFL fines Commanders LB Frankie Luvu $16,883 for helmet-to-helmet hit on Lions’ Jared Goff

On By Littum

Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu was not called for a roughing the passer penalty during last week’s divisional playoff game against the Detroit Lions, which would have voided a pick 6. However, the NFL announced a fine of $16,883 for Luvu on Saturday, saying he was punished for a “hit to the head/neck.”

Acknowledging that an illegal hit was made and a penalty was missed unfortunately offers no comfort to the Lions and their fans after Detroit’s 45-31 loss.

After Jared Goff’s second quarter interception was returned for a touchdown, Luvu lowered his head and hit the Lions QB helmet-to-helmet. Goff left the game to be evaluated for a head injury in the blue medical tent on the sidelines, but eventually returned.

No penalties were called on the play and the Commanders took a 24-14 lead on pick 6.

During the Fox broadcast, rules analyst Mike Pereira said Luvu should have been called for a 15-yard penalty because he hit Goff in the head. And that should have negated Washington’s touchdown, though it seems likely the Commanders would have eventually scored since their offense was so effective against the Lions’ battered defense.

Luvu was issued an additional $16,883 fine by the NFL for an illegal hip-drop tackle on Jahmyr Gibbs on Detroit’s next possession. No penalties were called on that play either, although the Lions scored a touchdown on the next play.

Incidentally, Jameson Williams was fined for obscene gestures he made while running for a 61-yard score and was fined $25,355 for unsportsmanlike conduct.

After seeing Luvu’s fine, the Kansas City Chiefs and their fans may wonder why Houston Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. weren’t fined for a late hit on Patrick Mahomes while he slid to the grass.

During the third quarter, To’oTo’o was called for unnecessary roughness when he made contact with Mahomes’ helmet. Although a penalty was called despite less forceful contact than the Goff hit, the NFL did not award To’oTo’o for the play. This kind of play may lead to a change in what can be reported on replay, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Teammate Kris Boyd was fined $8,056 for unsportsmanlike conduct, drawing a penalty after removing his helmet during the game’s opening kickoff.