In a game that had its fair share of physicality and post-whistle fireworks, Christian Elliss of the New England Patriots delivered one of the most talked-about hits of the night - and it didn’t cost him a dime.
The linebacker’s sideline collision with New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart in Monday’s 33-15 Patriots win drew plenty of attention. Dart was scrambling toward the boundary, trying to extend the play, when Elliss closed in and delivered a shot that sent the rookie quarterback airborne.
The hit was hard, clean, and - most importantly - in bounds. No flag was thrown, and now we know the league won’t be retroactively punishing Elliss either.
Elliss stood by the play afterward, explaining his thought process in the moment.
“I saw the scramble, I started chasing him down. He started tiptoeing on the sideline,” Elliss said.
“I thought he was just going to go out of bounds, but then I saw him tiptoeing. So I was like, he’s staying in bounds - what am I supposed to do?
We play hard on defense. We try to bring life to this team.
I was just doing my job and hit anything in the whites.”
That’s a classic linebacker mentality: play to the whistle, and if the ball carrier’s in bounds, he’s fair game. Elliss’ hit may have sparked a reaction, but by the letter of the rulebook, it was a legal play. And the league’s decision not to fine him confirms that.
The same can’t be said for a couple of others involved in the aftermath.
Giants tight end Theo Johnson was fined $6,488 for unnecessary roughness after he initiated a sideline scuffle following the hit on Dart. It was a clear case of emotions boiling over - a teammate sees his quarterback take a big shot and reacts. It’s understandable, but the league isn’t in the business of excusing retaliatory behavior, and Johnson’s wallet took the hit.
Meanwhile, Giants rookie cornerback Dru Phillips was also fined - $7,292 for a hit on a defenseless player during an incomplete pass intended for Patriots running back Treyveon Henderson. That play didn’t draw a flag on the field, but the league reviewed it and decided the contact crossed the line. It’s another reminder that even if the officials miss something in real time, the league office is watching - and they’re not shy about handing out postgame discipline.
All in all, it was a chippy night between two teams going through transitional seasons. The Patriots came away with the win - and with some validation for their physical style of play. For Elliss, the hit was just another example of what he’s trying to bring to the defense: energy, toughness, and a no-nonsense approach to every snap.