Lions Defender Fined For Hit On QB Jordan Love In Play That Went Unflagged

   

The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers played on "Thursday Night Football," where the Lions won 34-31 in a closely played game.

Detroit Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) waves at fans as he exits the field after 52-6 win over Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024.

There were many great moments in the game, but there were still some questionable calls and no calls.

At one point, referees were called out after Packers quarterback Jordan Love, while running out of the pocket, was hit in the face by Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith's forearm.

The play went unflagged, and the game continued, but the NFL went back to review the play and decided that Smith would be fined $6,722 for "roughing the passer."

This seems like a clear case where the league is admitting to making a mistake by not throwing a flag, and the next best solution to have some kind of punishment is a fine.

Smith spent three years with the Packers after they signed him as a free agent in 2019, and he made it clear he enjoys being able to beat them.

After the game, while speaking with sideline reporter Stacey Dales, Smith said, "I came to Detroit and got my revenge."

Detroit is Smith's third team in the NFC North. Following his time in Green Bay, he played one year with the Minnesota Vikings.