Did Brandon Browner Pass Up a Tackle to Take a Cheap Shot at a Redskins Lineman?

The New Orleans Saints’ defense is allowing a league-worst 31.5 points per game. Yesterday the struggling unit allowed the Washington Redskins to hang 47 on the scoreboard. Part of the reason may be because certain defensive backs elected to pass up tackles for the opportunity to deliver cheap shots.

Cornerback Brandon Browner appeared to do exactly that during Matt Jones’ 78-yard touchdown reception. Instead of trying to bring the ball carrier to the ground, Browner opted to blindside offensive lineman Spencer Long. It’s difficult to ascertain what type of angle Browner had, but it certainly seems as if a dive would have had reasonable chance of succeeding.

The score was knotted up at 14-14 at the time, so it’s not as if the blowout had already crushed any Saints hope.

Rodney Harrison called it a “selfish play.” Former Saints linebacker Scott Shanle was dumbfounded.

Browner was not penalized for his hit. Escaping a fine from the league office may prove difficult.

[Times Picayune]