BREAKING: NFL Backtracks on Controversial Call Against Bills Safety, Fans Demand Answers
The NFL reversed its stance on a controversial penalty called against the Buffalo Bills during their recent win over the Miami Dolphins. Bills safety Taylor Rapp had initially been penalized for a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter when tackling Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert. However, upon review, it appeared that Mostert had actually initiated the contact by lowering his helmet into Rapp.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported that the league has since acknowledged this by fining Mostert $18,830 for initiating the contact, effectively indicating that the penalty should have been called on Mostert instead of Rapp. Jones noted on X, “Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert was docked $18,830 for lowering his head to initiate contact on this play… By Mostert getting fined, league is essentially saying Mostert — and not Rapp — should have been flagged.”
Call Against Taylor Rapp Generated Controversy
The initial penalty on Taylor Rapp sparked strong reactions, as many fans and analysts criticized officials for penalizing the Bills safety despite replays showing that Raheem Mostert appeared to initiate contact by lowering his helmet. Although the Dolphins had already converted a 3rd-and-11 with Mostert’s 17-yard catch, the penalty moved them deeper into Bills territory, setting up a field goal.
The league also issued another fine for a separate hit later in the game. With the score tied at 27 and the Bills in a critical fourth-quarter drive, Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer was flagged for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman. The penalty gave the Bills a key first down, leading to a game-winning 61-yard field goal. WGR 550 reporter Sal Capaccio noted that Poyer received an $11,193 fine for the hit.
After the game, Poyer defended his play, calling it a fair hit. “I’m just playing football. I thought it was clean, put my helmet into his chest,” he told ESPN. “It’s tough … I hit him where I was supposed to. Apparently, the ref didn’t think so.”
Hit Costly to Bills Too
While Poyer lost money as a result of the hit, the Bills also incurred significant costs. Coleman injured his wrist during the play and had to exit the game. Coleman will not play against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 10, according to Bills head coach Sean McDermott, and he may be forced to miss more time after that.
“It’s a week-to-week deal,” McDermott remarked. “It’ll probably be multiple weeks.”