The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff chances took a big hit with their 44-30 Week 14 loss to the Detroit Lions on “Thursday Night Football.”
And while the defeat stung, it could prove costly for one certain Cowboys player.
Up 30-27 with 8:24 left in the fourth quarter, Lions quarterback Jared Goff fired off a 29-yard completion to wide receiver Jameson Williams that set them up right outside the red zone.
However, Goff took a big hit seconds after letting the ball go from Cowboys defensive end James Houston, resulting in a 15-yard flag for roughing the passer. The penalty moved Detroit up to the Dallas 13-yard line, and two plays later, Jahmyr Gibbs punched it in from 10 yards out and extended the Lions lead to 37-27.
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That late hit from Houston, who finished with two tackles, two pressures, one sack, and one QB hit, cost the Cowboys in the game, and it’s likely to cost him personally as there’s a strong chance the 27-year-old pass-rusher will be fined next weekend for his late hit.
The NFL has been cracking down on unsportsmanlike conduct penalties this season, and with an increased emphasis on protecting QBs, Houston’s actions are likely to draw a $17,389 fine for hit on a quarterback. Those fines escalate to $23,186 for second offenses.
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So far this season, the NFL collected $211,215 from 13 hit-on-a-quarterback fines this season. Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen is the only player with multiple such fines this season ($40,575).
No Cowboys players were fined last week, but two weeks ago linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was hit with a $8,166 fine for a late hit and wide receiver George Pickens was penalized $26,085 for use of a prop.
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