Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu was not called for scrambling the passer penalty in last week’s playoff game against the Detroit Lions that would have voided a pick 6. However, the NFL announced Luvu was fined $16,883 on Saturday, saying he was being punished for a “hit to the head/neck.”
Acknowledging that an illegal hit was made and a penalty was missed provides no consolation to the Lions and their fans after Detroit lost 45-31, unfortunately.
NFL fined # Orders LB FRANKIE LUVU $16,883 to ruffle the passer (blow to head/neck) – his block on #Lions QB Jared Goff who assisted a pick-six return.
No flags were thrown on what ended up being a pivotal play in Washington’s upset victory.
– Tom Pelissero (@tompelissero) January 25, 2025
After Jared Goff’s second-quarter interception was returned for a touchdown, Luvu lowered his head and hit the Lions QB helmet-to-helmet. Goff left the game to be evaluated for a head injury in the blue sideline medical tent, but eventually returned.
No penalties were called on the play and the Commanders took a 24-14 lead on pick 6.
During the Fox broadcast, rules analyst Mike Pereira said Luvu should have been called for a 15-yard penalty because he hit Goff in the head. And that should have negated Washington’s touchdown, although it seems likely that the Commanders would have ultimately scored because their offense was so effective against the Lions’ defense.
Luvu was fined an additional $16,883 by the NFL for an illegal hip tackle on Jahmyr Gibbs on Detroit’s next possession. No penalties were called on this play either, although the Lions did score a touchdown on the next play.
By the way, Jameson Williams was fined for lewd gestures he made during a 61-yard score, hung $25,355 for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Seeing Luvu’s fine, the Kansas City Chiefs and their fans might wonder why Houston Texans linebacker Henry To’oto’o and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. were not fined for a late hit on Patrick Mahomes as he slid across the turf.
During the third quarter, To’oto’o was called for unnecessary roughness when he made contact with Mahomes’ helmet. Although a penalty was called despite less forceful contact than Goff’s hit, the NFL did not correct itself for the play. This type of play could lead to a change in what can be looked at during replay, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Teammate Kris Boyd was fined $8,056 for unsportsmanlike conduct, drawing a penalty after removing his helmet during the game’s opening kickoff.