Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork was fined $30,000 for unnecessary roughness, after hitting Jaguars offensive lineman Steve Vallos in the head last week.
The play resulted in a penalty during the game, occurring after a Patrick Chung interception in the fourth quarter, and his fine letter said he “struck the opponent in the head with his forearm.”
Chung wasn’t fined for a separate play, when he hit Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts. That one drew multiple flags on the field, and underscores officials’ ready-fire-aim approach to big hits. Better to throw the flag and later find out it wasn’t necessary than not throw it and find out it was.