Report: NFL says 4th-quarter hit on Mayfield should have been flagged
The NFL says that the controversial hit on Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield from Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead should have been penalized, a league source told ESPN's Pat McManamon.
The hit occurred during the fourth quarter of the Buccaneers' overtime victory in Week 7. Mayfield slid at the end of a 35-yard run, and Whitehead's helmet hit the quarterback's head shortly after his knee hit the ground.
I love the explanation by Shawn Hochuli here:
— René Bugner (Rainbowcave) (@RNBWCV) October 22, 2018
» The Quarterback was still a runner and therefore is allowed to be hit in the head [...] «
The ruling on the Jordan Whitehead Tackle / Hit vs Baker Mayfield in the 4th quarter.pic.twitter.com/38pbsJTyiG
Whitehead could have been flagged for one of two infractions: Unnecessary roughness for hitting a sliding player on the head, or unsportsmanlike conduct for using his helmet to do so, the league source added.