Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu was not penalized for a roughing the passer penalty during last week’s divisional playoff game against the Detroit Lions that would have negated a No. 6 pick.
However, the NFL announced a fine of $16,883 for Luvu on Saturday, saying he was being punished for a “blow to the head/neck.” Unfortunately, acknowledging that an illegal hit was committed and a penalty missed provides no solace to the Lions and their fans after Detroit’s 45-31 loss.
The NFL fined #Commanders LB Frankie Luvu $16,883 for roughing the passer (hit to head/neck) – his blocking #Lions QB Jared Goff who helped a pick-six return.
No flag was thrown in what ended up being a pivotal play in Washington’s upset victory.
—Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 25, 2025
Following Jared Goff’s second-quarter interception that was returned for a touchdown, Luvu lowered his head and hit the Lions quarterback helmet-to-helmet. Goff left the game to be evaluated for a head injury in the blue sideline medical tent, but eventually returned.
No penalty was called on the play and the Commanders took a 24-14 lead at pick 6.
During the Fox broadcast, rules analyst Mike Pereira said Luvu should have received 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 eventually scored as their offense was so effective against the Lions’ banged-up defense.
The NFL fined Luvu an additional $16,883 for a hip-drop illegal tackle on Jahmyr Gibbs during Detroit’s next possession. No penalty was called on that play either, although the Lions scored a touchdown on the next play.
By the way, Jameson Williams was fined for obscene gestures he made while running for a 61-yard score, and was docked $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. weren’t fined for a late hit on Patrick Mahomes as he slid onto the grass.
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, the NFL did not fine To’oTo’o for the play. That type of play could lead to a change in what can be reviewed in replay, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.
However, teammate Kris Boyd was fined $8,056 for unsportsmanlike conduct, receiving a penalty after removing his helmet during the game’s kickoff.