Source: Vontaze Burfict's tackles against Panthers to be reviewed by NFL
The NFL will review the tackling methods of Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict in the next two days, according to a league source.
Multiple Carolina Panthers accused Burfict of deliberately trying to injure quarterback Cam Newton and tight end Greg Olsen on Sunday by twisting their ankles as he tackled them after touchdowns.
"At some point, if the NFL wants to really say they care about guys' safety, they've got to start putting guys out for weeks," Olsen told reporters Monday. "Me and Cam are lucky we aren't out for weeks."
Olsen and Newton have battled ankle injuries, and so Burfict's play raised the ire of the Panthers even more than it normally would. Newton was particularly effective as a rusher in a 37-37 tie to Cincinnati, but he's been far less mobile in prior games this season because of the ankle issues.
"I think instances like that," Olsen told Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review, "that are so clearly premeditated that he had in his mind if those opportunities [arise], that he was going to try to attack not only guys' legs, but guys who were coming off ankle problems specifically, there's no room for it."
Burfict appeared to twist Newton's ankle after the quarterback was clearly down in the end zone, rolling away from Newton and holding onto the lower leg as he went. Burfict's play on Olsen showed the same tactic.
Kicker Graham Gano tweeted Sunday that Burfict's play "makes me sick."
Burfict has been fined multiple times for his tactics, for violations including hitting a defenseless receiver, hitting with the crown of his helmet and hitting a tight end in the groin.
Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis, when asked about Burfict, laughed off the accusations. "Ankle wrenching?" he said. "That sounds like the WWF."
The league should have a decision on the matter by Wednesday.
