Za’Darius Smith was fined $6,722 by the NFL for roughing the passer during the Detroit Lions’ Week 14 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The league cited Smith for a hit to the head and neck area of Packers quarterback Jordan Love, even though no penalty was called on the play during the game.
Had the officials flagged Smith, it could have been a critical moment for Green Bay, granting them a first-and-10 at the Lions’ 32-yard line. Instead, the Packers were forced to punt after the third-down incompletion, and the Lions capitalized, securing a thrilling 34-31 win on Jake Bates’ game-winning field goal as time expired.
The victory not only improved Detroit’s season record to 12-1 but also kept them undefeated in NFC North play at 4-0.