The biggest headline to emerge from the New England Patriots’ Monday night blowout of the New York Giants was Christian Elliss’s tooth-rattling hit on quarterback Jaxson Dart.
The now-viral tackle sent the rookie quarterback flying head-first into his own sideline.
Several Giants swarmed the Patriots linebacker, resulting in a multi-player scuffle.
The NFL finally has issued its judgment on the antiquated big hit on the quarterback.
“The NFL fined Giants TE Theo Johnson $6,488 for unnecessary roughness — going after Patriots LB Christian Elliss, who hit Jaxson Dart at the sideline,” Tom Pelissero said on X. “Elliss wasn’t flagged or fined for the hit, which was deemed legal.”
Story continues below advertisement
Elliss also notably did not receive any discipline for a hit on former Patriot Gunner Olszewski that sent pieces of the punt returner’s helmet flying through the air in Foxboro.
Elliss was not flagged for either hit during the game. However, players around the NFL are becoming increasingly accustomed to receiving fines for seemingly unassuming hits.
Story continues below advertisement
As is the case for the Giants’ second-year corner Dru Phillips. Phillips was fined $7,292 for a third-quarter hit that did not result in a penalty.
Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins also received a somewhat hefty fine for a hit on Theo Johnson that resulted in a flag on the field.
New England continues to benefit from the clean play on the football field as they work their way into the top-ten least penalized teams in the league.
Story continues below advertisement
A statistic that was once a weakness for this Patriots team has become a strength. They have averaged just three penalties per game since the Week 10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
