Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict is facing suspension for what is being called a “dirty” and “disgraceful” hit against Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown in an AFC North wild-card matchup, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The league already fined Burfict $69,454 after last month’s game against the Steelers, and as a repeat offender, he could be suspended for more than one game.
As vicious as Burfict’s hit to the head against a defenseless receiver was Saturday night, Ravens offensive lineman John Urschel says the one against the Ravens in Week 17’s season finale may have been even worse.
In the video below, the ESPN Countdown crew uncovered Burfict blindsiding
People who think Burfict's hit on Antonio Brown is bad need to look at his hit on Maxx Williams last week. https://t.co/05ZOQtzKaB
— John Urschel (@JohnCUrschel) January 10, 2016 “This is jarring on many levels,” Schefter tweeted about the play.
This isn’t the first time a Ravens player was vocal about Burfict’s style of play. In 2014, former Ravens receiver Torrey Smith was on the wrong end of a late hit by Burfict.
“My man Burfict, man,” Smith said last season. “He’s a heck of a player. He’s a dirty one, too.”
Burfict’s questionable play heavily contributed to the Bengals’ 18-16 loss. He received a 15-yard penalty for the hit, and then another 15 yards was tacked on when Cincinnati cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones was arguing with Steelers Linebackers Coach Joey Porter (Porter is also facing a fine for being on the field).
With the Steelers only capable of dinking and dunking down the field because Ben Roethlisberger was injured, the two personal fouls helped the Steelers offense get in range for a chip-shot game-winning field goal. The Steelers wouldn’t have even had a chance to win had the Bengals simply ran the clock out on the previous series, but running back Jeremy Hill fumbled.
The last-minute implosion continues a long streak of losing in the playoffs. The Bengals have not won a postseason game since 1990. They’ve advanced the last five seasons, and have been one-and-done in each.
Ravens defensive tackle
Marvin Lewis Will Keep His Job
It looks like the Ravens will continue to face their former defensive assistant twice a year.
Plenty of people thought Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis would be fired after the Bengals’ late-game meltdown. Lewis also set an undesirable NFL record:
Worst Playoff Record as Head Coach- NFL History Marvin Lewis 0-7 Jim Mora 0-6
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 10, 2016 But it looks like Lewis, who has held the post since 2003, will remain in Cincinnati. The Bengals have no plans to make a head-coaching change, according to Schefter.
The last time the Bengals won a playoff game was when Boomer Esiason was the quarterback. Esiason was embarrassed by his former team’s play Saturday night and suggested Lewis should lose his job.
"I'm a former Bengal. I'm embarrassed by the way that this game ended and by the way these guys carried themselves on the football field today," Esiason said on the CBS broadcast after the game. "I feel bad for Marvin Lewis. I'll tell you one thing, if Lewis can't control his players, then maybe Marvin Lewis shouldn't be on the sideline coaching that drek."
Steve Smith’s ESPN Media Tour
That’s why he created a hashtag for his ESPN media tour on Friday: #jobinterview.
Until that time, however, Smith is amped for his 16th NFL season, and he has his eye on the all-time receptions list. He’s currently ranked No. 15 with 961 catches, and he wants to break the 1,000 milestone.
Below are three interviews I’ve pulled out of the many, many videos ESPN posted.
The first talks about Smith deciding to continue his career after announcing his retirement. In the second, Smith says he will target Steelers safety Mike Mitchell next season, and is even willing to accept a fine, after Mitchell taunted Smith when he sustained a back injury. Finally, in the third, Smith lets us into his trash-talking world when he lines up against defenders.
Ravens Feel Vikings’ Pain
Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh missed a 27-yard field goal that potentially would have won their playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks. Instead, they’ll be watching the divisional round from home after a heartbreaking 10-9 defeat.
The Ravens felt a similar pain in the 2011 AFC championship game after a potential game-tying 32-yard shank.
“Move over, Billy Cundiff. You have some company in postseason kicking history, eh, misery,” wrote ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
“The two worst kicks in the playoffs over the past 15 years share some similarities: Both were hooked wildly left. Cundiff and Walsh weren't even close on their chip shots. Each one sailed as wide left as a short kick possibly could. From the moment their kicks took flight, everyone knew the attempts were no longer sure things.”
Walsh’s miss led to a big Twitter day for Jim Carey and the 1994 film “Ace Ventura,” which highlighted holders’ cardinal sin of placing the “laces in” on field-goal attempts.
LACES OUT pic.twitter.com/z4HObunOzf
— Travis Hughes (@TravisSBN) January 10, 2016 The game was played in below-zero temperatures, and former and current Ravens were disappointed to see so many players wearing sleeves.
Disappointed by the # of lineman wearing sleeves for @Seahawks @Vikings #StreetCred
— Matt Birk (@BirkMatt) January 10, 2016 -6 degrees I'm not wearing any sleeves but I would have hot packs stored everywhere in my uni & I'm using icy hot as lotion lol
— Justin Forsett (@JForsett) January 10, 2016 Quick Hits
Celebrate those who shield. Tweet your own #ShieldMove to @Gillette by Jan 23 and I could give yours a name. #spon pic.twitter.com/zRyI7iPLsz
— John Urschel (@JohnCUrschel) January 7, 2016 Former Ravens in NFL wild-card playoffs https://t.co/XBcz8wnA04
— Baltimore Sun Sports (@BaltSunSports) January 9, 2016 You want to get me started on this beautiful Sunday....2 things we already knew 55 is dirty and the Pats cheated b4 https://t.co/XxtkpmXxvs
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) January 10, 2016 To get back on track, Ravens need a healthy Joe Flacco from the start next season https://t.co/fkRwp8f2Op
— Baltimore Sun Sports (@BaltSunSports) January 9, 2016 Since '09, Steelers have drafted Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant. Highest pick: 82nd overall.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 10, 2016 Ravens were able to carry over $1,633,944 in excess 2015 Cap space into 2016. Team's 2016b adjusted Cap goes up by that amount.
— Brian McFarland (@RavensSalaryCap) January 10, 2016 Divisional Playoff Weekend: Saturday: Kansas City at New England. Green Bay at Arizona. Sunday: Seattle at Carolina. Pittsburgh at Denver.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2016 Source tells @NFLonFOX that Rob Ryan is joining @buffalobills defensive coaching staff working under/with his twin brother Rex.
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) January 11, 2016 
