NFL issues 22 fines, including 2 unflagged hip-drop tackles and 5 for fighting

The NFL released a list of 22 fines that were assessed against players for on-field infractions: 19 were listed as unspecified unnecessary roughness, 2 were classified as “a hit on a quarterback,” and 1 was unsportsmanlike conduct. This is down from Week 1 last season, which had 32 fines assessed, as the first three weeks of 2023 were in the low- to mid-thirties.

As expected there were no flags for the new hip-drop tackle rule. Because of the four required elements that are a part of the swivel-type of hip-drop tackle, this will be enforced through fines. The officiating department has instructed officials to only flag if they are certain, and that there won’t be a downgrade for no flag.

There were two illegal hip-drop tackles in Week 1, and they were both committed by the Giants. First, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson was fined $9,804 for a second quarter tackle.

2024.01 MIN-NYG 2Q 1.08 pic.twitter.com/sQIRqfRKJG

— fzclips (@fzclips) September 15, 2024

In the third quarter, linebacker Darius Muasau tackled with a hip-drop technique for which he was fined $4,696.

2024.01 MIN-NYG 3Q 14.33 pic.twitter.com/6WmaaYruFi

— fzclips (@fzclips) September 15, 2024

On Monday night, the tackle by Jets cornerback Michael Carter that injured 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings was not deemed to be an illegal hip-drop tackle, because Carter landed on the ground before Jennings’ legs were pinned underneath Carter. The swivel action must be the dropping of the tackler’s weight and into the ball carrier’s legs in one motion. It is this level of detail that is part of the rule that underscores why this will very likely not be called on the field.

In the Raiders-Chargers game, a fight broke out following a missed 2-point conversion on the Chargers. Chargers wide receiver Josh Palmer and Raiders cornerback Jack Jones were both ejected; Palmer was fined $11,255 and Jones $5,472. Three other Raiders players were fined for the post-play skirmish: defensive linemen Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins for $11,255 each and safety Marcus Epps for $11,817.

The full list of fines is at the NFL Football Operations website.