When Zach Charbonnet shows up for the Seattle Seahawks against the New York Giants on Sunday, he’ll do so with his wallet a little lighter.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the NFL fined Charbonnet $45,000 for unnecessary roughness/illegal helmet use during a 42-29 loss to the Detroit Lions. The second-year guard was not penalized for the block Monday night.
On the play in question, Charbonnet lined up on the right side of quarterback Geno Smith in shotgun, while his compatriot Ken Walker III returned from the line of scrimmage to the backfield to make a throw during a sweep. Charbonnet sprinted wide as a lead blocker and lowered the boom on cornerback Amik Robertson, driving the defensive back into the turf to help his fellow backfield gain six yards on a successful run.
Prioritizing player safety, especially when it comes to hits to the head, the NFL has cracked down on blocks deemed illegal like the one made by Charbonnet Monday night, issuing multiple fines each week in hopes of eliminate these plays from the match. .
According to league rules, a blocker can warrant a foul if he “lowers his head and makes forced contact with his helmet against an opponent” or “uses any part of his helmet or mask to impact or making forced contact with an opponent’s head or neck. “. The rule specifies, however, that accidental contact with the mask or helmet during a block or tackle is not prohibited, thus providing some gray area for officials.
Check out this lead block from Zach Charbonnet on the move/throw to Ken Walker III… More sets with both on the court, please! pic.twitter.com/2i4YgEMe6i
– Corbin K. Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) October 3, 2024
In the case of Charbonnet’s block, even though his helmet ultimately made contact with Robertson, he appeared to have initiated contact with his left shoulder, which is not illegal. He also did not lower the crown of his helmet or lead with it, and the eventual contact with his helmet hitting the defender appeared to be accidental during the block, making the fine questionable at best on what appears to be a physical, but clean, a game of football.
Players are allowed to appeal the fines, but it remains to be seen whether or not Charbonnet will follow that path. Given that it was not reported in the room and the film does not show blatant illegal blocking as described in the regulations, this might be his best course of action, as several of these fines were overturned in the pass. upon closer examination.
