By A. Sherrod Blakely
CSNNE.com Celtics Insider
Follow @sherrodbcsn
FOXBOROTalk about your costly hits.
New England Patriots defensive end Andre Carter was slapped with a 15,000 fine for a hit in New England's 35-21 win over San Diego on Sunday.
When Carter was assessed a 15-yard penalty on the play for roughing the passer, he knew there was a chance he could be fined.
"I just know the league is trying to do a good job as far as protecting the quarterback, protecting people in general when it comes to head-to-head collisions or certain way of hitting," said Carter, who said he was notified of the fine via FedEx. "With all due respect, I understand that. You just have to keep playing football."
In the second quarter, Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers tossed an incomplete pass to wide receiver Vincent Jackson.
Carter delivered a crushing blow just a split-second or two after Rivers released the pass.
It was the kind of hit that Carter admits he and many NFL players have been taught to deliver from the time they started playing the game.
New England Patriots
But in the NFL, this new-age NFL, such hits may literally prove more costly.
"That's just the nature of the game," Carter said. "It's football. Especially guys in my position, come across a certain play and make that perfect hit. You just have to learn from it and go on to the next."
A. Sherrod Blakely can be reached at sblakely@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Sherrod on Twitter at http:twitter.comsherrodbcsn