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A Buffalo Bills player is facing punishment for his actions against Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix in the NFL playoffs.
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills had their hearts broken on Saturday, January 17, with a 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. This really seemed to be the year that Allen and the Bills would go all the way and bring home a championship for the first time in franchise history, but they just didn’t get it done.
Of course, there were plenty of controversial calls during that game, as there are in any high-stakes NFL showdown. But, some were more clearcut than others, and it’s difficult to argue that one particular call against the Buffalo Bills wasn’t warranted. Now, the player who was already disciplined by the NFL for that play may get an even bigger punishment.
Every week during the season, the NFL gives punishments to players for actions that took place during the previous week’s games. The NFL states on their official website that these actions are “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity.” Before the season starts each year, the NFL and NFL Players Association agree on the set of game-related rules violations that result in these accountability measures.
Buffalo Bills Player Had Hit on Denver Broncos Quarterback Bo Nix
Going into overtime, emotions were high in this game. One of the biggest calls of the overtime period was when Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa was called for roughing the passer, after hitting Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix after he tried to pass to Courtland Sutton, which ended in an incomplete pass.
That incident drew a flag from officials for “roughing the passer,” as well as a 15-yard penalty and first down. But, the Broncos declined and instead took a 17-yard pass interference on Taron Johnson against Courtland Sutton.
But, the story isn’t over. Each week, NFL players get handed additional punishment in the form of fines for “roughing the passer,” and according to the NFL’s Accountability: Fines & Appeals rules, roughing the passer calls can mean fines up to $17,389 for first-time offenses and $23,186 on infractions after that.
Buffalo Bills Player Has Been Here Before
This isn’t new for the player. Bosa received a similar fine from the NFL for “roughing the passer” against Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield in Week 11 during the regular season.
On Saturday, January 24, we’ll learn his fate. Either way, the Buffalo Bills’ season is over, and also sad is that Nix’s season is over due to a broken ankle.
“[Nix] is a tough cookie,” Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said after the team’s win. “I said, ‘Listen I believe you’re the second quarterback in his second year to take his team to the [conference] championship game and the first is [Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick] Mahomes.’… We’ll rise up for the next challenge.”
Jarrett Stidham will take over as quarterback for the Broncos. “Stiddy is ready to go,” Payton said, adding, “He’s ready. I feel like I’ve got a two who’s capable of starting for a number of teams, and I know he feels the same way. Watch out, just watch.”
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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