Alex Singleton saw this one coming, and he doesn’t think it will stick. The Denver Broncos linebacker took a shot at the Jaguars’ coaching staff after last week‘s win over Jacksonville, saying they like to complain about his hits. Now the NFL has fined him for the play that started it, a hit on tight end Brenton Strange.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the fine at $10,277 for a hit on a defenseless player, while 9News’ Mike Klis had it at $17,911. It’s Singleton’s second fine in as many weeks, following the $11,941 he was docked for a late hit on Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson in the Week 1 loss to Kansas City.
Singleton isn’t backing down
The flag came on the Jaguars’ opening drive of the second half. On first-and-goal from the 9, Singleton tackled Strange after a 3-yard catch, and the two players’ helmets collided on a bang-bang play. The unnecessary roughness penalty moved Jacksonville to the 3-yard line, but Denver’s defense stiffened and held the Jaguars to a field goal. They didn’t score again in a 20-13 Broncos win.
Singleton made it clear afterward that he didn’t think he did anything wrong, and he had some pointed words for the other sideline. “Yeah, their coaches like to complain about people hitting people. So, I got a fine last year for it, I’ll probably get this one rescinded, too. But, you know, they like to complain, as you’ve watched today,” Singleton said.
He has reason to think an appeal could work. Singleton was fined after last year’s game against Jacksonville, and that fine was rescinded (at least that’s what Singleton suggested). If he appeals, a panel of former players will review the hit, and a bang-bang collision on a tackle is the kind of play that sometimes gets the benefit of the doubt.
Denver doesn’t want him changing how he plays, either. Singleton piled up nine tackles against the Jaguars and has 25 through two games, and the Broncos’ defense leans on him to set the tone in the middle. He’ll get his next chance when the Broncos host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night, and Jacksonville’s coaches won’t be the only ones watching how he hits.
