If there’s one guy in the NFL whose tendency to launch himself at opposing players should be easily caught by referees, it’s Demver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson. This season, Jackson had been ejected from two different games, fined four different times, and suspended for two games due to his unnecessary roughness penalties.
Jackson was back for Sunday night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, and per our friends at Broncos Wire, he vowed to change his style of play.
“I probably have to adjust it a little bit,” Jackson said in a recent interview with KMGH-TV’s Troy Renck. “As far as the tackling — lowering the target — I’ll try my best to do that.
“Definitely don’t want to be in this situation again. As far as going forward, I’m sure I’ll be in situations — these bang-bang plays — so for me, it’s all about staying on the field and not having to go through this again.”
Well, on the Vikings’ third play from scrimmage, tight end T.J. Hockenson took a direct snap and handed the ball to quarterback Josh Dobbs in what became a Dobbs fumble. How did that happen? Well, Jackson launched himself, leading with his helmet.
Kareem Jackson has been fined, ejected and suspended this season for lowering his head and launching…
Guy's learned nothing.
This is dangerous to both himself and who he's targeting. pic.twitter.com/i9BtxEv8lF
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) November 20, 2023
Not only was this targeting, but Jackson appeared to go right for Dobbs’ throwing shoulder. Dobbs was okay, but this could have been a lot worse.
NBC rules expert and former NFL referee Terry McAulay seemed to see it pretty clearly.
Terry McAulay said on the NBC broadcast that Kareem Jackson should’ve been penalized for this hit on Josh Dobbs. pic.twitter.com/fP5TABQ8ha
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) November 20, 2023
Why Ron Torbert’s officiating crew didn’t call a penalty here is beyond us, except that it’s Reason No. 349.108 that officiating in the NFL has become inexcusably bad this season.
The Broncos were allowed to keep the ball, and kicked a field goal on their subsequent drive.
