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The Pittsburgh Steelers, and their fans, know all about Vontaze Burfict’s antics. They have seen it on display on more than one occasion.
No, it isn’t always the brutal hit to Le’Veon Bell, or Baltimore Ravens tight end Maxx Williams, but the plays which often go unnoticed. Stepping on players when getting out of a pile, twisting ankles and showing intent to injure.
After a very questionable hit to the head of Antonio Brown during the Week 6 showdown at Paul Brown Stadium, the NFL is reportedly going to look into three separate plays where Burfict showed an intent to injure members of the Steelers.
This from ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
NFL is reviewing three plays that involved Bengals’ LB Vontaze Burfict from Sunday’s Pittsburgh-Cincinnati game to determine appropriate level of discipline, per source. One was an elbow on Antonio Brown, and two others were Burfict leading led with his helmet.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 15, 2018
The biggest play in question is by far the hit he made on Antonio Brown which saw an official force Brown to leave the field to be assessed by medical personnel. As you can see, Brown is being held up, completely defenseless, and Burfict comes in for the knock out blow with his forearm.
Take a look at the play for yourself:
All these ridiculous “Roughing the Passer” calls and THIS is missed?
— Mike Drakulich (Pittsburgh SportsNation) (@PghSportsNation) October 14, 2018
You serious @NFL?
Vontaze Burfict is a punk. Deliberate shot to the head of Antonio Brown! #Steelers #Bengals pic.twitter.com/AJuiWy8Sox
From the opposite angle:
#Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict puts his shoulder to the head of #Steelers WR Antonio Brown. Where have I seen this before? pic.twitter.com/Nl8RVagR4j
— Kevin Boilard (@247KevinBoilard) October 14, 2018
While the NFL does their due diligence on the play, members of the Steelers sounded off on Burfict as a player, and their thoughts on his style of play.
This from right tackle Marcus Gilbert:
Steelers players came out strong on Vontaze Burfict’s hit. Right tackle Marcus Gilbert called it “pathetic,” said Bengals LB should be suspended for it. pic.twitter.com/5M4a74vWEZ
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 15, 2018
So, what is your opinion on the situation? Were the hits in the Steelers’ 28-21 suspension worthy, or just something which will be fined? The one aspect of the situation which is difficult to weigh is how Burfict is a repeat offender. This isn’t his first run-in with the league office for his style of play on the field. With that said, what might be deemed a fine for some, might mean a suspension for Burfict.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news on this situation, and others, surrounding the Steelers as they head into their Week 7 bye week.