Written by Jeff Legwold at The ESPN.com
Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart and linebacker Brandon Marshall will have to open their checkbooks in the wake of the team’s21-20 victory over the Carolina Panthers in last Thursday’s NFL season opener.
Stewart has been fined $18,231 by the NFL, sources told ESPN, for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Panthers quarterback Cam Newton that came with just under 40 seconds remaining in the game. Stewart was flagged for roughing the passer on the play, but Newton was also flagged for intentional grounding on the same play, offsetting the penalties.
Marshall, whose hit in the third quarter was not flagged, was fined $24,309 for impermissible use of a helmet, a source told ESPN.
Replays clearly showed the contact, but Stewart said after the game that he believed he was playing within the rules.
“I thought I got him with my shoulder, too,” Stewart said. “But he’s a hard player to tackle, he’s so big, and when he runs, he leans like a running back, coming right at you.”
Stewart and Marshall’s fines raise the Broncos’ season total by defensive players to three. Cornerback Bradley Roby was docked $24,309 for unnecessary roughness as a result of a hit on Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Duke Williamsin a preseason game last month.
And more Broncos could be added to the list, given the league was reviewing several hits on Newton from the opener, including contact made on other plays by linebacker Von Miller and Roby.
Marshall said earlier this week he expected to be fined.
“It didn’t [look good], I don’t want to say too much because I know they’re going to fine me,” Marshall said. “I’ll be getting a letter.”
NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino said Tuesday he believed one penalty had not been flagged for a hit on Newton in the game that should have been. That play is believed to be Marshall’s hit.
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