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The Patriots and their fans are taking offense to a tackle made by Vontaze Burfict on Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett.
Vontaze Burfict going low on Bennett. Seemed unnecessary but what do I know. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/4DWnqa76TD
— Will D. (@WAD1980) October 16, 2016
Bennett spoke about the play during which Burfict dove to tackle the Patriots tight end while Adam Jones was also standing right there, ready to make a play. The ball ended up not coming Bennett’s way, which is making many question why Burfict tackled him, and furthermore, why he went low.
For what it’s worth, they did meet on the field after the game was over and exchanged a hug. During the exchange, Burfict reportedly also apologized to Bennett.
Burfict went over to Marty Bennett for a high-five/bro hug before heading to the locker room. But no love for Gronk
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) October 16, 2016
"Yeah. I mean, he hit me in the back of my knee. That’s low," Bennett said after the game, per Tom Pelissero.
In a since deleted Tweet, Patriots reporter Jeff Howe wrote that Bennett said "Burfict apologized and said he didn't mean to get him in the back of the knee but (Bennett) added, "But he probably did."
The game became increasingly chippy after that with Rob Gronkowski drawing a penalty for taunting shortly after this play.
We’ll likely hear whether or not the league thought this was a dirty play later this week once they decide if Burfict will be fined for the play. You have to assume the league office will surely review the play, especially with Burfict three games removed from a three game suspension for repeated violations of NFL safety rules.