The Cowboys don’t have a reputation as a dirty team, but for the second time in the 2020 season, one of their players may have notably crossed the line. It’s not uncommon around the NFL for it to happen as it’s an emotional, violent game played by gladiators. Still, it does shock a play made by a member of the team is considered dirty.
Earlier in the season, second-year defensive tackle Trysten Hill pulled a gator roll on Seattle Seahawks RB Chris Carson, causing the back to miss a few games. On Sunday, LB Jaylon Smith was involved in a play some feel may have had bad intentions. Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said he is submitting the late third-quarter play to the league for review.
Jordan Mailata is in concussion protocol. Pederson said a clip of the play that caused it will be sent to league. Pederson didn’t say it but it looked like an intentional head butt by #Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith. A very dirty play.
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) December 28, 2020
On the 2nd-and-10 play with 0:34 remaining, the Cowboys were up 30-17 with the Eagles in Dallas territory following Andy Dalton’s interception to Darius Slay. From the 28-yard line, the Eagles call a draw and Smith engages with the pulling left tackle, Jordan Mailata.
Mailata approaches gingerly, and before turning his attention back inside to where the play is happening, Smith delivers a blow to Mailata’s head.
Was this a dirty play by Jaylon or just part of how things go?
I get the argument the OT was tiptoeing and should've engaged, and upon looking closer can't tell if Smith tried to lead with a shoulder based on the angle.
Mailata left the game with a concussion. pic.twitter.com/LCHboV7FS4
— KD Drummond (@KDDrummondNFL) December 28, 2020
The Eagles were flagged for holding on the play, but if the league agrees with Pederson’s assessment, there may be a fine heading Smith’s way.
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