The Kansas City Chiefs, currently on their bye week after a strong 5-0 start, have once again been featured in the NFL’s weekly fine releases, this time it’s to defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton. During the team’s Week 5 victory over the New Orleans Saints, Wharton was fined by the NFL for unnecessary roughness. The incident occurred when Wharton struck Saints offensive lineman Lucas Patrick in the facemask, drawing immediate attention and resulting in disciplinary action from the league office.
The fine, reported to be $11,817, serves as a financial hit for Wharton, who is playing under a one-year contract with the Chiefs. While the penalty may seem minor compared to Wharton’s overall salary, it highlights the league’s focus on player safety and its enforcement of rules against unnecessary physical contact. For Wharton, this fine is just a bump in an otherwise successful start to the season.
Wharton’s Fine and the Incident
The unnecessary roughness penalty occurred midway through the Week 5 matchup between the Chiefs and Saints when Wharton was flagged for an open-handed strike to Patrick’s facemask, a move that clearly violated NFL rules. The league handed down the fine swiftly, continuing its efforts to emphasize player safety and enforce rules against unsafe actions.
Tershawn Wharton, a consistent presence on Kansas City’s defensive line, has rarely faced such penalties throughout his career. His ability to maintain discipline on the field has been one of his key strengths as a player. However, this incident will require Wharton to be more cautious going forward to avoid further fines or potential suspensions.
Despite the fine, Wharton remains focused on helping the Chiefs continue their winning ways. The 26-year-old tackle has become a crucial part of Kansas City’s defense, and the team will continue to rely on his contributions as they prepare for their Week 7 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
A Career Year for Wharton
Despite the recent fine, Tershawn Wharton is having a breakout season. Through five games, he has posted career-best numbers, including 11 tackles, three quarterback hits, and one-and-a-half sacks. His pass-rushing abilities have significantly improved, as evidenced by his 15 quarterback pressures, a total just two short of his career-high from last season.
Wharton’s pass-rush grade of 74.9, according to Pro Football Focus, ranks him among the top interior defensive linemen in the NFL. This places him in elite company, alongside stars like his teammate Chris Jones and the Giants’ Dexter Lawrence. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks has been a huge boost for Kansas City’s defense, especially with the team missing multiple offensive starters due to injuries.
The Chiefs have greatly benefited from Wharton’s emergence this season. His strong play has helped balance the defensive line, making it a more formidable unit. With defensive end Charles Omenihu still recovering from injury, Wharton’s rise could not have come at a better time for the Chiefs.
Wharton Future Outlook
Wharton’s development has been essential for a Chiefs team aiming to defend their Super Bowl title. As an undrafted player out of Missouri S&T, he has beaten the odds to earn his spot on the roster. This season, with a one-year, $2.75 million contract, he has proven his value, becoming a consistent contributor on defense.
However, the fine and unnecessary roughness penalty show the challenges that come with increased responsibilities. As Wharton takes on a larger role, maintaining the same focus and discipline that have allowed him to succeed this season will be necessary to avoid future penalties and fines.
Final Thoughts
Tershawn Wharton’s fine for unnecessary roughness during the Chiefs’ win over the Saints may have been a financial setback, but it does not diminish his overall impact this season. As Kansas City prepares to return from their bye week, Wharton will look to put the incident behind him and continue building on his strong start. His ability to disrupt offenses has been vital to the Chiefs’ early success, and he remains an important part of their defensive game plan.
With the Chiefs aiming for another deep playoff run, Wharton’s performance will be essential. His development into one of the team’s top defensive linemen is a promising sign for the future, and with the start of a year like this one, Wharton could help propel Kansas City to even greater heights.
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