Courtesy CBSSports.com

If the NFL knows what’s good for itself, Rodger Goodell will make Eagles CB Rodgers-Cromartie pay a hefty little fine for his hit on Steelers QB Byron Leftwich.  The hit, which can be seen here on NFL.com, is reminiscent of a certain Steelers linebacker knocking Colt McCoy into the 2012 season.

The hit is certainly a moment that could have been missed by The Replacements, but fortunately, the zebras were on top of it.  By definition the hit is unnecessary roughness – Cromartie leaves his feet and puts his shoulder right into the chin of Leftwich.  The hit was called a late hit, which is the wrong call, but at least a penalty was called.  It gave the Steelers a first down and extended the drive.  Thankfully, Leftwich didn’t really seem shaken up from the play.  I find that a little funny considering how easily he tends to break from season to season.

Back to the punishment that should happen.  Rodgers-Cromartie felt that this hit was clean.  Dude, you speared yourself right into Leftwich’s chin.  If you had any better aim, you would have gone helmet to helmet.  Intent vs. actual contact has been a point of contention for many players and fans around the league.  But, there’s no doubting that Cromartie ‘broke the rules’ by playing some chin music with Lefty.

Fine?  You betcha.  Let’s say in the realm of six figures.  Suspension?  Doubtful.  It’s Rodgers-Cromartie’s first offense and the rules are pretty well laid out as far as the severity goes.  Bottom line, Goodell can’t let a hit like this pass even if it is the preseason.  I know it’s a Steelers player who took the hit – so Steeler Nation’s opinion is a bit influenced, and we also have a jaded pass with ‘illegal hits.’  But I want to know – what do you think?