On Dec. 5, the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers faced off on “Thursday Night Football,” with the Lions securing a 34-31 victory in a thrilling, closely contested game. While there were many exciting moments, some questionable calls and no-calls left fans and players talking. One such moment came when Packers quarterback Jordan Love, while scrambling out of the pocket, was hit in the face by the forearm of Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith. The referees did not throw a flag on the play, but the NFL later reviewed it and determined that Smith would be fined $6,722 for “roughing the passer.”
This situation seems to indicate the league’s acknowledgment of an error in not flagging the play initially, and the fine serves as the next best solution for addressing the mistake. For those familiar with Za’Darius Smith’s career, it’s notable that he spent three years with the Packers, after they signed him as a free agent in 2019. Smith has since made it clear that he relishes the opportunity to defeat his former team. After the game, speaking with sideline reporter Stacey Dales, Smith remarked, “I came to Detroit and got my revenge.” This game marked Smith’s third NFC North team, following his stint with Minnesota Vikings after leaving Green Bay.
