As spectators have come to notice in recent years, NFL officials don’t always get the call right on the field. That’s why the league has taken the responsibility of fining players for illegal and unnecessary plays even after the final whistle has blown.
For New York, LB Neville Hewitt and DE Kyle Phillips were fined this week for hits on Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott despite not receiving a flag for either play.
The first illegal hit came from Phillips late in the first quarter of New York’s Week 6 win. As a teammate was forcing Prescott to the ground, the Jets defensive end appeared to catch the signal caller on the head. Fast forward one quarter of play, and Hewitt led with his head to drill Prescott in the midsection following a throw on a critical drive.
While these hits weren’t deemed illegal on the field, the league docked both Hewitt and Phillips $21,056 each, per The Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken.
Additionally, Cowboys DT Maliek Collins was flagged for a horse-collar on Jets QB Sam Darnold early in Sunday’s game. The 15-yard penalty was assessed on-field and cost Collins $21,056.
