The Jacksonville Jaguars have been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL this season under first-year head coach Liam Coen, entering Week 17 with momentum.
Jacksonville currently sits atop the AFC South with an 11–4 record, fueled by the stellar play of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has thrown for 3,489 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
The Jaguars are coming off a 34-20 victory over the AFC-leading Denver Broncos and have now turned their attention to Sunday’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. However, on Saturday, the NFL released its weekly fines, which included a ruling on a hit Lawrence took in the third quarter at the 10:49 mark.
While Lawrence was not disciplined, Broncos defensive tackle Malcolm Roach was fined for the play. The league determined Roach put his body weight on Lawrence, a point of emphasis the NFL continues to crack down on. The hit resulted in a roughing-the-passer penalty during the game, and Roach was ultimately fined $17,389.
More news: Packers Receive Major Jordan Love Injury Update for Ravens Game
More news: Clemson’s Dabo Swinney Addresses Injury Situation for Pinstripe Bowl
Roach has been a key piece for the Broncos this season and agreed to a three-year contract extension with the franchise on Nov. 26.
However, many felt his hit on Lawrence last Sunday was not overly excessive, believing there was little he could have done to avoid placing some of his body weight on the quarterback. The rule itself has been highly controversial since the NFL began enforcing it as a penalty.
Roach wasn’t the only Broncos defender fined from the game. Linebacker Alex Singleton received a $23,186 fine for unnecessary use of his helmet, also in the third quarter just a few plays after Roach’s penalty. Safety P.J. Locke was fined $11,593 for a late hit in the first quarter.
More news: Raiders’ Maxx Crosby Reportedly Frustrated After Being Shut Down for Season