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NFL makes Packers’ costly mistake look even worse right before the playoffs
Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Wendell Ferreira | Last updated Jan 11, 2025 7:11 PM ET
The final drive of the regular season was somewhat close to a nightmare for the Green Bay Packers. The Chicago Bears were able to drive down the field after a clock management mistake by Matt LaFleur, and Cairo Santos kicked a 51-yard field goal to win the game.
That final drive started with a penalty from Kingsley Enagbare, a horse-collar tackle on quarterback Caleb Williams when he was being pressured and had virtually no shot of creating a positive play.
Well, now that play just got worse. And that’s because Kingsley Enagbare was fined $5,809 by the NFL for the penalty.
It’s the sixth Packers player fined by the NFL this season. Running back Josh Jacobs had been fined $45k after lowering his head to initiate contact on a play against the Tennessee Titans in week 3 — that fine, though, was later rescinded.
Cornerback Jaire Alexander was fined $11k for pushing an Arizona Cardinals player. And tight end Ben Sims was fined $5,083 for unnecessary roughness on a play against the Houston Texans. In Week 16, defensive tackle Colby Wooden was punished by $6,150 for unnecessary roughness during the New Orleans Saints game. And in Week 17, safety Zayne Anderson was punished with a $5,861 fine for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet) on a play he also suffered a concussion.
The Packers have been the team with the fewest fines in the NFL this season, a strong indication of how Matt LaFleur operates leading the roster.
To protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity, the NFL and NFL Players Association have agreed on a set of game-related rules violations that may result in accountability measures.
Players are notified of violations and may appeal any ruling. Cases are heard by appeals officers and former NFL players, Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, Kevin Mawae, or Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA. The decisions made are final and binding.
The fines collected are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support Legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.
Hopefully, the Packers can get all that behind them ahead of the playoffs. On Sunday, they play the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild card round.