Every Saturday at 4 PM (ET), the NFL updates its Gameday Accountability report with a summary of the previous week’s actions. This weekend, DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud found out that the Houston Texans had the most fined players in Week 12.
The National Football League punished three Texans players, and the fines were significant. While linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Neville Hewitt were charged $11,255 each, safety M.J. Stewart was deducted $16,883. These penalties highlight a growing concern regarding player conduct on the field, especially in a league that emphasizes player safety.
All three penalties were due to unnecessary roughness. Both Al-Shaair and Hewitt were punished for late hits, though in different moments of the Texans‘ 27-32 loss to division rivals Tennessee Titans. It raises the question: are players becoming too aggressive, or is the game evolving in a way that calls for stricter enforcement of rules?
Al-Shaair’s penalty for a late hit came in the second quarter with 5:39 remaining for halftime, whereas Hewitt’s violation (also for a late hit) occurred at 11:34 in the fourth quarter. Stewart’s infraction, on the other hand, was related to a blindside block with only 1:39 left in the game. These incidents not only cost the players financially but also reflect on the team’s discipline and strategy on the field.
A closer look at the Week 12 fines
The NFL announced a total of 16 fines stemming from Week 12 actions, which means that almost 20% of the fines were on the Texans. Stewart’s $16,883 fine was tied with Washington Commanders’ Bobby Wagner (roughing the passer) for the second-highest of the week. This statistic paints a vivid picture of how the Texans are being scrutinized compared to their peers.
Al-Shaair and Hewitt, meanwhile, are tied with Cleveland Browns’ Grant Delpit (unsportsmanlike conduct – taunting) and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Damontae Kazee (unnecessary roughness – late hit) for the fourth-highest. Such a concentration of penalties raises questions about the Texans’ approach to tackling and player conduct. Are they pushing the limits too far?
The breakdown of the fines shows the league’s commitment to maintaining player safety while also penalizing teams that exceed acceptable physicality. Here’s a quick summary of the fines from Week 12, listed from highest to lowest:
- $22,511.00 – Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts, Unnecessary Roughness – use of the helmet) and Donte Jackson (Pittsburgh Steelers, Unnecessary Roughness – use of the helmet)
- $16,883.00 – M.J. Stewart (Houston Texans, Unnecessary Roughness – blindside block) and Bobby Wagner (Washington Commanders, Roughing the Passer – contact to the knee or below)
- $15,236.00 – Malik Harrison (Baltimore Ravens, Unnecessary Roughness – use of the helmet)
- $11,255.00 – Grant Delpit (Cleveland Browns, Unsportsmanlike Conduct – taunting), Neville Hewitt (Houston Texans, Unnecessary Roughness – late hit), Azeez Al-Shaair (Houston Texans, Unnecessary Roughness – late hit), and Damontae Kazee (Pittsburgh Steelers, Unnecessary Roughness – late hit).
- $10,378.00 – Jordan Hicks (Cleveland Browns, Roughing the Passer – body weight)
- $8,856.32 – Jackson Powers-Johnson (Las Vegas Raiders, Unnecessary Roughness – late hit)
- $6,594.00 – Coby Bryant (Seattle Seahawks, Unsportsmanlike Conduct – obscene gestures)
- $5,472.00 -Mike Brown (Tennessee Titans, Unnecessary Roughness – hip-drop tackle) and Vederian Lowe (New England Patriots, Unnecessary Roughness – blindside block).
- $5,106.48 – Julian Hill (Miami Dolphins, Unnecessary Roughness – use of the helmet)
- $5,083.00 – Daniel Hardy (Chicago Bears, Unnecessary Roughness – late hit)
This weekend’s report shows that the Texans are not just facing fines but are also under scrutiny for their gameplay. With the league’s focus on player safety, teams must adapt their strategies to avoid costly penalties. How will DeMeco Ryans address this issue moving forward? Will the Texans adjust their approach to tackling and physicality, or will they continue to push the boundaries?
As the season progresses, it’s crucial for teams to find a balance between aggressive play and adherence to the rules. The fines imposed on the Texans serve as a reminder that the NFL is serious about player safety and maintaining the integrity of the game.
In a league where every yard counts, teams like the Texans must be mindful of their actions on the field. The consequences of unnecessary roughness can be detrimental, not just financially but also in terms of team morale and performance.
With the playoffs approaching, the Texans need to tighten their game. Will they learn from these penalties, or will they continue to find themselves in the spotlight for the wrong reasons? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the NFL’s commitment to player safety is unwavering, and teams must adapt or face the consequences.
