I agree, he easily could have been flagged for either helmet to helmet, or unsportsmanlike conduct after the play. I'm sure if the refs knew what kind of ugliness was to follow, they would have flagged him for the latter.
Despite Cincy being done, I have a strong feeling the referees for this coming Denver-Pittsburgh game are going to be very assertive and throw personal foul and unsportsmanlike flags early and often, being well aware of what just happened. Rivalry or not, they shouldn't be intimidated by any BS. Keep in mind, the Pitt-Cincy crew tried to get ahead of things by being on the 50 yard line before kick off, and did throw flags, and it still wasn't enough.
Apparently Big Ben suffered partially torn ligaments on that sack from Burfect. Despite talk he might not, I'm sure he'll suit up and be out there for the first snap. I just don't know how well he can throw the ball. This will make for an interesting game, in that both teams defenses are likely to play a lot of press coverage, challenging them to throw deep, and blitz to disrupt the QB. Tomlin showed some class saying the Bengals were a tough team that badly wanted to win which is what caused all this, and refuted words that Porter was given a game ball. Still, while I am no Broncos fan, I will definitely be cheering for Denver this weekend.
Adams is now likely out at WR for the Packers.
Julian Edelman says he is 100% "full throttle" ready, and actually could have played in the last game of the regular season. They could have used him actually.
Tom Coughlin interviewing at SF, and Philly. I don't care if he's 69, if he wants to coach, and your team needed a little old school discipline, I'd hire him. There have to be several teams who aren't going to be able to hire their first choice, and Tom has to be the best 2nd choice for them all.
I still think the best place to coach, if I were looking, would be Tennessee. They do have owner and GM issues, but they have Mariota, lots of cap room, and the top pick in the draft.
So, does Nick Saban toss his hat in the ring? He's already immortalized in Alabama. But Jeffrey Gorman says if a team hires Saban, they do an overhaul. They don't just get Saban, they hire a full new staff of his selection, and get ready for heavy overturn of players (Carroll in Seattle).
Are all four Clemson defensive lineman going to play on Sunday next year? They really kept their team in the game against a monster Alabama team. As athletic as Deshaun Watson is, I have no idea how well he could play in the NFL. Though he's only a (redshirt) sophomore.