After one of Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson’s four interceptions in the NFC Championship game, Packers linebacker Clay Matthews lit him up with a block during safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix’s return.
Matthews drew a 15-yard penalty for the block, which officials called an illegal hit from the blindside, and Tom Pelissero of USA Today reports that he also drew a $22,050 fine from the league for laying out the Seahawks quarterback. The penalty knocked the Packers out of Seattle territory and Aaron Rodgers threw his second interception of the game a few plays later to keep the score 16-0 Packers in the second quarter.
Matthews was also on the receiving end of a hit that led to a fine. Matthews sacked Wilson in the third quarter of the game and then took a shot to the back from Seahawks guard J.R. Sweezy that officials judged to be unnecessary roughness. The penalty was declined, however, because officials said it happened during the play rather than as a dead ball foul.
That led Joe Buck to call in a “free shot” on the FOX broadcast. It was in football terms, but Sweezy will have to fork over $8,268 after being fined by the league. Given that the Seahawks faced 2nd and 30 after the play rather than 2nd and 45 and went on to convert on a third down pass to Doug Baldwin that led to their first score of their eventual comeback win, it’s probably a trade Sweezy’s willing to make.
