Upon further review, it sure looks like Vontaze Burfict’s sack of Ben Roethlisberger early in the fourth quarter included some extra-curricular activity that constitutes a dirty play.
Here’s a look at the play. Focus on what Burfict does after he takes Roethlisberger to the ground and judge for yourself.
Watch what Burfict does after he sacks Ben #Steelers pic.twitter.com/kr2vnfhXAN
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) January 10, 2016
It sure looks like Burfict intentionally maneuvers his body to take a shot at Big Ben’s head/neck/shoulder area with his knee.
This guy also lost the game for the Bengals on another really dirty play when he launched into Antonio Brown on a classic head-hunting job (watch here). His 15-yard penalty, combined with another stupid penalty by Adam Jones, moved the Steelers 30 yards ahead on one play, setting up an easy 35-yard field goal to win the game for Pittsburgh.
His second dirty play of the game could also cost him a game check or two, as Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Sunday morning the league could suspend him.
Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict is facing suspension for his hit on Antonio Brown during Saturday night's wild-card game, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 10, 2016
Perhaps after looking at his actions after taking Big Ben to the ground will warrant more than a single-game ban.
It should.
As it stands, because of Burfict, Roethlisberger (shoulder) and Brown (concussion) could potentially miss the divisional round with their injuries, though the Steelers are reportedly “optimistic” about Big Ben’s availability next weekend.