newsweek
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith has been hit with two separate fines of $17,911 each for actions taken during Sunday's matchup against the Buffalo Bills, adding to the team's mounting troubles.
The first fine stems from an incident in the first quarter when Smith twisted the facemask of Bills quarterback Josh Allen as he crossed the goal line. The maneuver drew sharp criticism from Bills coach Joe Brady, who stated that such actions are not something that should be seen on the football field.
The second fine was levied for a hit on Bills wide receiver DJ Moore, who was in a defenseless position, also during the first quarter.
Meanwhile, the Ravens are enduring a difficult stretch, having suffered a 36-10 loss to the Bills and a crushing 33-10 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday. The team's quarterback situation has been a major factor, with both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley unavailable, forcing Joe Fagnano into the starting role. In the game against the Jaguars, the Ravens leaned heavily on running back Derrick Henry in the wildcat formation, an approach that did not yield positive results.
Fagnano, despite limited preparation time due to the absence of the other quarterbacks, refused to make excuses. "I think anytime you have a quick turnaround, it poses its own challenges, but I'm not here to sit up here and make excuses," the young quarterback said. He also acknowledged the short week and credited the Jaguars for their strong performance.
Key Analysis
Smith's fines underscore the NFL's emphasis on player safety and sportsmanship, particularly regarding dangerous plays like facemask twisting and hits on defenseless receivers. The Ravens' recent losses and quarterback woes have compounded the team's challenges, raising questions about their depth and adaptability as they navigate a demanding schedule.
Originally reported by newsweek.