The NFL fined two New York Giants players following their victory against the New England Patriots in Week 12.
On December 2, Pat Leonard, a beat journalist for the New York Daily News, broke the story, saying, “Xavier
McKinney, a Giants safety, was fined $13,659 for unsportsmanlike conduct after [the] Patriots missed [the] potential
game-tying field goal last Sunday.”
In the latter part of the first half, Leonard continued, “LB Carter Coughlin was fined $5,764 for unnecessary
roughness (helmet to helmet) on kickoff coverage.”
The sum totaled collectively? $19,423 in forfeitures exactly.
this is Coughlin’s first fine of the year. However, McKinney had already been penalized once,
on October 27, with a $14,833 punishment (via Spotrac).
Explained in the NFL Rulebook: Xavier McKinney Fine
Coughlin’s helmet-to-helmet fine makes more sense. The NFL is making an effort to reduce the number of head
injuries sustained by ball carriers and tackle players.
But it seems harsh to pay more than $13,000 in fines for taking off your helmet on a game-winning play. This is
related to the league’s recent focus on good sportsmanship.
The NFL Rulebook’s Section 3: Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Prohibited Acts) begins, “There shall be no
unsportsmanlike conduct.” “Any act that goes against the widely accepted principles of sportsmanship is subject to
this.”
One of the activities below is classified as unsportsmanlike conduct if a player “removes his helmet by a player in the
field of play or the end zone during a celebration or demonstration, or during a confrontation with a game official or
any other player.”
Along with an immediate first down on defense, this flag may also result in a “loss of 15 yards from the succeeding
spot or whatever spot the Referee, after consulting with the crew, deems equitable.”
Fines like this are serious business for a younger player like McKinney, who is only earning around 1.754 million in
basic pay this season.
Xavier McKinney of the Giants Achieved Elite Grade against the Patriots
Since his public feud with defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, McKinney has elevated his game. Week 12 was no
different.
McKinney had an exceptional grade of 91.7 from Pro Football Focus for his performance against the Patriots, which
PFF said was the best defensive effort by Big Blue.
A total of ten tackles, two crucial defensive stops, six-of-10 targets allowed for just 46 yards, and, of course, a crucial
late-game interception of Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe were all part of that effort. His lone glaring Week 12 PFF
shortcoming was a single missed tackle.
McKinney has had a good run as he pursues a new contract in 2024. He has now hit the 70.0 mark or better on his
PFF grades three times in a row this season.
In 2024, Xavier McKinney is the second-most significant upcoming free agent for the Giants.
Saquon Barkley is the Giants’ top running back, but McKinney is arguably the team’s second-most significant
upcoming free agent for the spring of 2013.
The previous second-round pick is not only the captain of the squad but also a very recent premium draft pick and
one of the defensive team’s obvious impact players. NFL teams need to hold onto these guys despite some of
McKinney’s dramatic off-field antics.
Despite his young age of 25, the Alabama product seems to be finding his footing.
Joe Schoen, the general manager, ought to give this top attention in 2024. The NYG general manager will then need
to replace McKinney if he is unable to sign him for a lengthy time.
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