How Much Will Von Miller Be Fined? Suspended?
January 24th, 2022
The officials are not why the Bucs lost yesterday, but Joe is still steamed by one of the worst calls/non-calls in NFL playoff history.
Check out the screenshot above. It’s Rams edge rusher Von Miller launching himself (he even took a little hop-step before liftoff) helmet-first into Tom Brady’s chin. As you can see in the image, Miller is airborne and nobody pushed him into Brady. Bucs left tackle Donovan Smith is in the lower left corner of the image watching the play. Nice view, Donny!
Brady completed the pass to Mike Evans and ended up with a bloody lower lip and/or mouth.
Miller was not flagged, even though there is a referee assigned to watch the quarterback. Brady got an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for complaining to the official.
It was the first such penalty of Brady’s career, and it’s just not a call that happens in the NFL like it did in this case early in the second quarter. This isn’t the NBA where a technical foul would be assigned.
Today, Joe is wondering how much cash Miller will be fined for launching head-first into a quarterback’s grill. Will he be suspended a game? He should be. It was intentional.
The wild thing about this for Joe was Brady coming back on the next play and throwing a sick touch pass while scrambling to Leonard Fournette, which Playoff Lenny hauled in with one hand. A perfect throw on 2nd-and-17 for a first down.
Some quarterbacks would have been completely rattled by the previous play and penalty. Brady? He took his bleeding face back to the huddle and was laser focused.
Man, Joe hopes that guy comes back to play.
January 24th, 2022 at 3:22 pm
Ed Hockulee jr is a terrible ref, just like his too tight shirt dad
January 24th, 2022 at 3:22 pm
I hope he comes back too! Go Bucs!
January 24th, 2022 at 3:23 pm
Yea – crappy no call, but for the most part the entire game plan and therefore the game sucked. Even when we tied the game I didn’t have much hope just because of the flow. The better team won yesterday.
January 24th, 2022 at 3:26 pm
the refs have seemed to want the bucs to lose this year though.
that was as bad as the game before with the helmet to helmet on our KR after he was down. BOTH right in front of a ref, and no call.
January 24th, 2022 at 3:26 pm
I truly hope he’s back next year. Joe, what do you think of America’s QB making a return to Tampa behind door #2 if Brady retires
January 24th, 2022 at 3:27 pm
First game I’ve complained about the referees in my life
January 24th, 2022 at 3:27 pm
Not at all saying that the refs made us lose this game, Bowles and the rest of coaching staff gets this recognition, but they sure helped.
January 24th, 2022 at 3:27 pm
I never heard of any punishment for Aaron Donald’s choking a player, his second offense in that regard.
Donavan Smith looked like his old self. Completely worked over. So embarrassing
January 24th, 2022 at 3:27 pm
I’m thankful we had 2 good years. I hope for his safety that he calls it a career. this team will be a dumpster fire next year.
If BL goes we might have a chance though !
January 24th, 2022 at 3:31 pm
What westernbuc said………….DS got WORKED SO many times yesterday. He never squares his hips to the pass rusher. Poor form and effort.
January 24th, 2022 at 3:35 pm
I’m pretty sure Suh would have been called for that hit
January 24th, 2022 at 3:36 pm
I can’t believe he didn’t get flagged. Literally launched with his head… People still complain Brady gets all the calls. Makes my blood boil. Would it have effected the outcome? Maybe, maybe not, but it’s the principle.
January 24th, 2022 at 3:48 pm
I would like to see the rule changed to a player launching himself and helmet to helmet contact is ejection. it is nothing more the head hunting.
January 24th, 2022 at 3:53 pm
Wow, from my seat I didn’t see what got TB12 so pissed. This photo explains it all!
For those calling out our OL, credit must be give to the Rams DL, as they were on it. Had we been in Stafford’s face like they were in Brady’s, y’all would be saying how great our line as…Just sayin’!
January 24th, 2022 at 3:54 pm
The problem Joe, is that it’s a net difference or 30 yards! Instead of getting 15 tacked onto the end (would have possibly given us an early score and some momentum) we actually lost 15. Suh penalty was another 15 that seemed like bs…
January 24th, 2022 at 3:55 pm
That call was not why we lost. We lost because them Rams had a Steller defense. And we did not..period. They brought the heat and the pressure like we did against KC last year. Stafford had so much time, he was makin sandwiches back there. Y’all know its the truth. brady got smacked in the mouth. He ain’t god. everybody gets smacked around during the playoffs. Gotta be tough to win it all. We were there last year.
January 24th, 2022 at 3:56 pm
ONE play doesn’t make a game but I have seen RTP penalties for much, much less.
January 24th, 2022 at 3:58 pm
Yeah I’d it sounded like I was saying that’s why we lost the game, that’s not what I meant. Jjst that 30 yard swing is a lot and didn’t help. Rams are extremely talented and it’s not just Miller and Donald, that other end they have was beating don too orunkuwo or whatever his name is
January 24th, 2022 at 4:05 pm
Would have been nice to have our All Pro RT, had the guys playing block better, and/or not have to play against Aaron Donald. Didn’t that guy try to choke someone a week ago?! He got fined like $10k and BA gets find $50k?
January 24th, 2022 at 4:09 pm
The refs are not the reason we lost, but they sure as hell handed the early momentum to LA, with the BS personal fouls on Brady and Suh. Momentum that could have changed the outcome of the game.
January 24th, 2022 at 4:09 pm
No fine, no suspension because yesterday made it 100% clear that the league wants the Rams in the super bowl.
Same reason Suh got flagged after Stafford kicked him.
Unfortunately, we can’t blame the refs for Pinion kicking the ball out of bounds TWICE on kickoffs.
The coaching staff failed us.
January 24th, 2022 at 4:12 pm
While replaying the game in my mind today, I cant help but think our coordinators were outcoached. Were the interviews for a better paying job a distraction? A lack of preparation? Think of the effect it had on the players too.
The Monte Kiffin debacle will forever sadden some of us Buc lifers.
January 24th, 2022 at 4:14 pm
Wake me up when the whine fest is over. WE GOT BEAT. PERIOD.
January 24th, 2022 at 4:18 pm
@joe what about the Mike Evans one?
January 24th, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Donovans game was beyond bad. Ill never trust this guy again.
I will just be wondering when his next terrible game will be. Everything is on the line and he cant do his job? This is not a player I must have back to make a run at the SB.
I see no reason why the Bucs should not survey their options for tackle.
January 24th, 2022 at 4:21 pm
What the picture doesn’t show is just to the right the official is crouching hands on his knees staring right at the hit. Also where is the fine for the late hit on Evan’s? Last one, if anyone saw the KC/Bill’s game, Tyree rips down the sideline and scores, as he’s doing it he puts up his signature two finger peace out sign as he dashes by the LB. Why isn’t a taunting penalty called? They hit Winfield with it.
January 24th, 2022 at 4:24 pm
Mike Evans got absolutely smoked. Launched and targeting hands down…after the play foul? Cmon
January 24th, 2022 at 4:27 pm
@Listnfrmafar-
Have you really not figured it out yet?
The league HATES the Bucs. Always have, always will. Last year was an anomaly.
January 24th, 2022 at 4:31 pm
If the Shield wants the Rams in the SB in their shiny new SOFI.. it will happen.
January 24th, 2022 at 4:35 pm
And i have always been a Donovan Smith defender. I aint one of these fans who always blamed him for everything.
But last year after his horrible awful game in the 2nd Saints game I said I was done with Smith………Of course then we won the Super Bowl so I pretty much had to walk it back.
Now here we are a year later and Donovan Smith got exposed again. He will have another terrible game and whose to say it doesnt happen in SB 57…..or and NFC Championship. I certainly would not bet on Donny doing a decent job in a rematch with #40.
Donovan Smith can still be a good player on the right team. You probably could easily trade him to a team with a rookie QB who has no protection. Maybe Chicago or Jville or NE or NY…..Not sure what team fits. Smith could do quite well just being a good player most of the time somewhere else……..But a LT getting destroyed like that in a one and done playoff format is not gonna cut it for a SB contender.
January 24th, 2022 at 4:35 pm
The ref said, “We did not think that it rose to the level of roughing the passer.”
January 24th, 2022 at 4:38 pm
perhaps Brady should’ve saved his comments about the refs love for him until AFTER the playoffs? Seems to me the refs in this game were a bit triggered which didn’t help our cause or Brady’s. I’m pretty sure had a former Bucs QB made a comment like that or forgotten what down it was the fanbase would be calling him a MORON…. don’t get me wrong, Brady is a genius on the field, but he has been known to put his foot in his mouth.
January 24th, 2022 at 4:39 pm
HAHAHHAHA. Omg! You Yuck fans are priceless. Your darling LB launched himself sideways tackling Winston in a horse collar blowing out his ACL and you want to whine about this non-call? Much less, call it one of the worst no-calls in history!?!??!??!??!?!?!? Now that, people is HILARIOUS!!!
HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAH
IDIOTS!!!!!
January 24th, 2022 at 4:43 pm
Will Stafford also get fined/suspended for kicking Suh on that other reversed call?
The Rams played a foul game and it looked like the refs were on their side. It is part of the reason refs should be full time hires of the NFL, instead of volunteers.
January 24th, 2022 at 4:46 pm
Shawn Hochuli should be fined and then fired. One of the reasons I soured on the NBA were the unchecked officials that let their egos dictate how the games were called. The taunting rules were bad enough, now thin-skinned officials have decided that they should dictate the outcome of a playoff game.
Brady was obviously banged up and pissed. It’s football, it’s a violent and emotional game. So what if Brady said some naughty words, grow a frigging pair Hochuli, it’s a playoff game.
January 24th, 2022 at 4:58 pm
So let me get this straight, injuries, AB drama, Refs jobbing us, coaching that is worried about job interviews, and we were still just a base defense away from ot? Wow seems like we were a good team to me, just was not our day.
January 24th, 2022 at 5:29 pm
SaintsDumbo,
We’re not pointing out Brady’s split lip. Just the non- call for 1. launching and 2. making contact with the helmet.
January 24th, 2022 at 5:49 pm
IDK. A QB with his face bleeding is not worth a second’s thought? The ref wanted Tom to have a penalty, period.
January 24th, 2022 at 5:55 pm
Loosing sure brings out the whiners. Ohhh noooos, they played hard! Sounds like an old Saturday Night routine to me. I love Brady but he talks too much to the refs. Anybody who has played sports knows its dumb to whine or mouth off to refs. Got me kicked out of a game or two back in the day.
January 24th, 2022 at 6:03 pm
If only our team played like they do down 27 to 3 we would be unbeatable. You just can’t have all those drops (sigh) by Tyler dropsit. Running routes too fast too slow ughhhj. Injuries dumb decisions doomed us. We have a great great young core. The future with this team is still bright 🌞🌞🌞
January 24th, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Im still waiting to hear what they are going to do mr donald for choking folks last week…
January 24th, 2022 at 6:45 pm
Suspended? Come on. Not every personal foul results in a suspension; nor should it. You sound like a Saints fan, Joe.
As for Bradys penalty, he earned it. He cursed the ref out. Be objective, people. The official who missed the illegal hit by Miller should be punished.
January 24th, 2022 at 6:47 pm
Agree with your take Joe. I am curious though if that pop to the chin concussed TB a little bit, he just seemed off target too often until the 4th QTR, even when he wasn’t pressured.
January 24th, 2022 at 7:17 pm
ModHairKen, the only way Von Miller gets suspended is if someone high up in the NFL has a vested interest (like a big offshore bet) to make sure the Niners get to the SuperBowl, being that they are the Rams kryptonite and have their number this year,, San Fran may not need the refs help. Betters already sensing this line shifted from Rams -4.5 to Rams -3. Love to see Niners/Bengals but it will probably be the Chiefs after the Bills actually had a defensive collapse as bad as Toilet Bowles on Sunday……
January 24th, 2022 at 7:22 pm
Biff
Last night wasn’t the first time our coordinator’s have been out coached.
If I’m not mistaken Rah had an interview with the Vikings on Friday. Didn’t seem to hurt his defense.
January 24th, 2022 at 7:30 pm
DrunkinYbor: playing badly in the first half has been something the Bucs have done all season! The Jets game, the Colts game, even the last Carolina game. For whatever reason, the Bucs often started out cold and fell behind. This time they simply could not dig out of the hole that Leftwich and company dug. They make great halftime adjustments but never seemed fully prepared at kickoff. Who do you blame? The players? Leftwich and the offensive coaching staff? Arians? Anyhow Leftwich got a second interview in Jacksonville (meaning he may not just be a Rooney check the box guy there) so maybe Arians calls the plays himself next year?
January 24th, 2022 at 7:34 pm
Jmarkbuc: You are right about the interviews. Chief fans whined a bit last year about Bieniemy interviewing with everyone as well after the Bucs boat raced them, saying it distracted him…. This year he interviewed with the Broncos and some other teams and it did not stop the Chiefs from putting 42 up on the Bill’s #1 defense though a lot of that maybe more the fault of the Bills doing a Todd Bowles like job of preparing their team for the Chiefs…..
January 24th, 2022 at 7:45 pm
Donovan Smith should be fined for his poor game
January 24th, 2022 at 7:46 pm
There was nothing wrong with that hit. These QB’s have started taking roughing call for granted. Sorry, good non call. Brady simply overreacted but the flag was unwarranted.
January 24th, 2022 at 8:06 pm
Cracks me up that a ref felt taunted 😂😂😂😂
January 24th, 2022 at 8:16 pm
Hey saintsfan59 get your dumb comments off our feed. Everyone who watched the game knew it was a terrible non call. Don’t let your jealousy effect your thinking or seeing. GOBUCS!
January 24th, 2022 at 8:24 pm
Tom Brady has been babied his entire career. Little booboo on baby’s chin-chin.
January 24th, 2022 at 8:32 pm
If you really watched the video, it was obvious that Von Miller pulled up. It was a good playoff non call.
Brady gets that call in the regular season. But that was a playoff game.
January 24th, 2022 at 8:35 pm
Horrible call against Brady.
Horrible call against SUH.
Plus a non call for defender launching himself headfirst at Evin‘s when he was already down.
You are correct, the refs did not lose that game but those were 3 Drive changing calls/non-calls that did have an affect.
January 24th, 2022 at 8:53 pm
NFL couldn’t fine miller enough for it to matter to anyone except the media. There’s nothing he could be fine that would hurt his pockets or spirit. They moved on to the championship game
January 24th, 2022 at 9:43 pm
I’m tired of all the complaining from Trump BRADY / he lost and was darn lucky it was as close as it was – He’s 44 the 90’s Raiders would have put him out permanently – he plays in an age where Qb’z are protected – shut up or retire !
January 24th, 2022 at 9:45 pm
The launching off his feet, hitting his face mask with crown of his helmet and well after Brady threw the ball is the reason a flag should have been thrown. They throw them for ANY contact to qbs head why not here? Luckily it didn’t really affect the game other than a bunch of fans emotional state. Mad outputs for the team playing their butts off trying to win just a little to little too late. Too many things went wrong team wise. It’s not like the Rams are that much better than us. Tough to watch but a good game
January 24th, 2022 at 10:04 pm
The calls and no-calls were a fact, and a factor. Easily enough to swing a game by a score or two. These things are a fact of pro football life, no conspiracy theory, but business. The NFL wants their LA super bowl to be successful, and a TB/TB repeat is boring. The Brady comeback probably wasn’t welcome and I’m sure most of the suits are relieved.
January 24th, 2022 at 10:21 pm
Unfortunately you’re right Steele. I’ve long believed that the Shield knows at the beginning of the season who is gonna be in the SB. Then voilà, it happens.
January 24th, 2022 at 11:01 pm
That penalty killed that drive and most likely set about the sequence of events that built the Rams lead. With that said, Bowles lost the game. Not the refs, not Twan (but he is close), not the injured o-line, not BL’s game plan, it was Bowles.
January 24th, 2022 at 11:02 pm
retire and enjoy life
January 24th, 2022 at 11:31 pm
Wat do ya’ll complainers think Mahomes, Rogers…._______
Fill in the blank do?. I say running quarterbacks fair game!
Even if they slide. No such thing as defenseless receivers!
Go back to Jack Tatem games! No face mask….then who will you people worship on Sundays then? Will the game be better then?
Allow crackbacks…clotheslines….pileons. Who will survive to play?
You will not have the players you so jealous of to hate. What then?
No referees. WWWF? SHEEESH!!
January 25th, 2022 at 2:26 am
Miller was not flagged, so he will get nothing. Stafford, nothing for kicking. Nothing.
Trophybuc, the issue is hypocrisy and bias, which were very clear in this game.
If you’re talking about rules in general, that’s a different discussion, Bucky B. Frankly, the game today is so ticky tack and distorted in favor of offense for entertainment value, it’s ridiculous. On the other hand, should they go back to the 1960s or even 1970s, when it was brutal? We should absolutely respect players of past eras, who were way, way tougher. The reason for all of the “safety” is not that pro sports cares about the health of players, but because they think audiences don’t want “real” football. Or real basketball, etc.
All QBs, all offensive players, are protected and promoted today. Because NFL knows normies love highlight reel video game sports.
Brady is as tough as they come. The nastiest competitor there is. And he would have been great in any era. The great QBs of that past respect him.
January 25th, 2022 at 3:37 am
Who cares, Rams got Von Miller for a reason because he a pass rusher sack master. His job is to hit quarterbacks and if Tom Brady wants to keep playing at 50 years old then that’s what he gets. It’s Football guys, stop crying about little things. It’s not the LPGA lol.
January 25th, 2022 at 3:34 pm
Von Miller was up for grabs, Bucs chose broken JPP.
January 25th, 2022 at 6:36 pm
Big mouth brady said he gets away with complaining to officials should have kept his mouth shut!
January 26th, 2022 at 10:23 am
The shield really needs to get on the Refereeing Staff! Too much being allowed by the Refs. Don’t these guys have eyes??!!! If this game would’ve been a regular season game a flag would’ve been thrown for a late hit on the QB and for leading in with the helmet. It’s obvious they want LA in their own Stadium for the Super Bowl……but that’s OK, because: WE WERE 1st to Ever Play in a Home Stadium in Football History!!! The Refs can’t close their eyes to that. Coach Mac-YEY has his players hit helmet 1st ….Broke Gronks Ribs and almost paralyzed a Arizona player. Desperate way to get to the Super Bowl.
January 27th, 2022 at 8:36 am
I think all the refs this year were the worst ever they need to better and use the recall tools more often. If we made the mistakes at work we would be fired. No way should a ref get away with it.