Another week, another dirty hit from Kareem Jackson.
It took the controversial Broncos cornerback all of three plays to put himself in the crosshairs once again and leave an opposing coach upset.
Jackson got away with launching himself into Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs and forcing a fumble, which somehow did not get flagged.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell believed Jackson should have been penalized for the hit, which would have negated a turnover that led to a field goal in a 21-20 Broncos win.
“Yeah. On the field, it felt like that,” O’Connell said about whether Jackson should have been penalized. “I’ll have to go back and look at it. It tends to happen pretty fast out there, but in the moment, coming from the second level the way he did, it seemed like a pretty direct helmet-to-helmet type hit. But I’m sure they saw it differently on the play. They’re officiating a fast play right there. But, yes, I do believe regardless whether it’s your quarterback, running back, receiver, tight end, the rule, as far as how it states and how it’s talked about, happening fast out there but we’ll have to take a look at it.
He added: “The rule is what it is. They didn’t throw the flag.”
Jackson has earned a reputation as one of the league’s dirtiest players this season, having been suspended two games, fined $89,670 – according to The Associated Press – and ejected twice.
The NFL suspended him four games after the Broncos’ Week 7 win over the Packers after another illegal hit, but the league reduced the suspension to two games after his appeal.
Sunday night marked Jackson’ return and it appears he did not learn anything from his time away.
The 35-year-old veteran forced a first-quarter fumble by leading with his helmet and crushing Dobbs in the chest — O’Connell was wrong when he said the hit was helmet-to-helmet — which forced a fumble.
It appears the referees missed an easy penalty that would have extended the drive, and the Broncos used the good field position to grab a 3-0 lead.
While Jackson was not penalized, the league could still fine him for the hit and add to the tally.
Jackson told Denver7 he was not sure if that hit would earn him a suspension or fine.
The Broncos have won four straight games and will attempt to get above .500 for the first time this season Sunday against Cleveland.