Latest from the Denver Broncos: T.J. Ward Gets Ejected after Punching Chiefs' Maclin
It looks like the Denver Broncos are rapidly building a reputation of being the dirtiest team in the NFL this season, no thanks to a couple of questionable plays from the team's defensive backs the past two weeks.
First, Aqib Talib was suspended last week after poking the eye of Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen. This time, the team's safety, T.J. Ward will be joining Talib on the list of undesirables after giving Kansas City Chiefs' receiver Jeremy Maclin a cheap shot on Sunday.
The incident happened during the end of an extended touchdown catch courtesy of Chiefs running back Charcandrick West, who was helped by Maclin by getting in front and blocking Ward. Although it can be argued that Maclin's act of blocking Ward wasn't really needed or necessary, it can never be called as a dirty play. Ward's response on the other hand is something uncalled for.
After the play, Ward simply knocked Maclin to the ground; and if that wasn't enough, he then connected a punch right into the head of the receiver, which prompted the two to start an altercation. Game officials were quick to respond by ejecting Ward.
If there is something to blame should the Broncos continue their slide after a 7-0 start, it should be these dirty and unsportsmanlike plays from Talib and Ward. The team has lost two games already after the undefeated start; but what's really alarming is that they're losing big. Sunday's game saw them losing to the Chiefs, 29-13, to which at one point they were even down 29-0.
Update on Suspension
Ian Rapoport reporting for the NFL Network said on Monday that Ward isn't going to be suspended. This was eventually confirmed by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, revealing that the league won't suspend the Broncos safety over the "blow to the head" but will instead hand out a hefty fine for the act.
