Not that this is a top ten issue or a reason why the Pittsburgh Steelers lost but one play late in Sunday’s game caught my eye.
Ben Roethlisberger had told reporters he hurt his right knee on the games’ final drive. Nothing close to the degree of his left one, which has had to undergo surgery and will keep him out for at least this week, but enough to where he was walking with a noticeable limp for the rest of the drive. And I’m betting it didn’t feel too good the next day, either.
I think I found the play where Roethlisberger was injured and it’s hard not to think Ndamukong Suh kicked Roethlisberger in the shin.
It comes with 21 seconds left in the game. Roethlisberger managed to stay on his feet before tossing an incompletion to Le’Veon Bell. Suh then grabbed Roethlisberger and spun him down at the end of the play, not egregiously, but enough to catch your attention.
If this was any other play, they’d probably earn the benefit of the doubt. But Suh has a long track record of dirty tactics. He’s regarded as one of the league’s dirtiest players and had a, let’s say, foot with a mind of its own. Whether it’s stepping on Aaron Rodgers’ leg, kicking Matt Schaub in the crotch, or from just last month, appearing to kick Alfred Morris’ helmet off.
In 2014, Suh was ejected and suspended for two games after stepping on Packers’ guard Evan Dietrich-Smith’s arm and shoving his helmet into the ground.
Suh was had a very checkered career which makes it all the more plausible to think he was trying to sweep the leg of Roethlisberger. There was no penalty on the play.
You could argue Suh was merely attempting to step and reach Roethlisberger and his foot accidentally caught him. But past history says this may have been an intentional act, especially late in the game when the Dolphins knew they were going to win.
I’ll let you guys be the judge.
