The Bears jumped out to an early lead over the Giants last Sunday on a touchdown catch by tight end Zach Miller after the team drove down the field with the assistance of a roughing the passer penalty.
Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon was called for driving Jay Cutler to the turf unnecessarily after he delivered a pass on Chicago’s second offensive play of the day. The flag was thrown a bit later than you’d expect and was met with derision from the Giants crowd and the team’s sideline.
The reaction did not extend to the league office. PFT has confirmed with the league that Vernon has been fined $18,231 for the infraction.
Vernon and the rest of the Giants defense gave up 16 points to the Bears in the first half of the game, but shut them out after halftime in a 22-16 victory that lifted their record to 7-3 on the season. Vernon had a sack and two tackles for losses in the game and his play has been a big part of the defensive turnaround that has helped the Giants win five straight games heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Browns.
Cutler, who was sacked four times overall, isn’t expected to play this week because of a right shoulder injury.