Late in the first half, with the Patriots driving, Tom Brady scrambled out of the pocket, headed up the field, and slid to avoid a hit. Redskins linebacker London Fletcher hit him anyway, but not particularly hard and, seemingly, not maliciously. You can see that hit in the animated GIFs here:
Fletcher got flagged for that hit, though, with the referee who threw the flag making sure to leave his arm in the air like Michael Jordan hitting a fadeaway. Referee Jeff Tripletee explained the call as a personal foul for a "forearm to the helmet of a quarterback", and was showered with boos at FedEx Field for saying that.
Fletcher, one of the NFL's longest-tenured linebackers, is not regarded as any sort of a dirty player. Brady, whose knee injury in 2008 helped usher in an era of greater protection for quarterbacks, has long been seen as one of the NFL's most-favored players. This hit is certain to be dissected all week — and, given that the Patriots scored on the drive, may end up swinging this game.
For more on the Redskins, head to Hogs Haven; for more on the Patriots, visit Pats Pulpit.
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