Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith could face another NFL fine after his controversial contact with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen sparked criticism following Sunday's 36-10 defeat. Smith appeared to grab Allen's facemask and pull his head backward during a fourth-quarter sneak, but officials allowed the touchdown to stand without throwing a flag. The incident has drawn attention beyond the result, particularly because Smith was fined for a similar play earlier this season. With his disciplinary record now under scrutiny, the three-time All-Pro could face a more expensive penalty.




Roquan Smith faces fresh NFL scrutiny after Josh Allen incidentThe incident happened during Buffalo's opening possession. The Bills had reached the goal line and attempted a quarterback sneak with Allen on third down, but Baltimore's defense stopped him short. Buffalo tried again on fourth down, and Allen managed to cross the goal line for the touchdown.




However, replays showed Smith grabbing the quarterback's facemask and pulling his head backward as the play unfolded. The officials did not penalize the Ravens linebacker, allowing the touchdown to stand.




Allen showed no apparent signs of injury and continued playing. He eventually finished the game with two passing touchdowns and a rushing score as Buffalo secured a comfortable victory.




The footage quickly became a talking point among Bills supporters. Dave Myers of the Built in Buffalo podcast was particularly critical of Smith's actions and questioned why the linebacker had not received a suspension.




“There’s dirty players, then there is Roquan Smith,” Myers said. “Dude should be suspended for trying to pull Josh Allen’s head off.”




That reaction has added pressure on the NFL to examine the play. However, there has been no confirmed announcement of a new fine or suspension against Smith.




His previous fine against Tyler Shough makes the situation worseWhat makes the latest incident more concerning for Smith is its similarity to an earlier play involving New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough.




During Baltimore's 24-17 defeat to New Orleans on September 20, Shough scored a late fourth-down rushing touchdown with 1:28 remaining. Smith was again accused of grabbing the quarterback's facemask during the goal-line attempt.




Officials missed the penalty during the game, but the NFL reviewed the footage and fined Smith $11,941. The decision established a disciplinary precedent that could now work against the Ravens linebacker.




According to Heavy, another facemask violation this season could push his fine to $17,911. Smith has also received previous fines for roughing the passer, a horse-collar tackle and another facemask incident.




He has never been suspended or ejected during his NFL career. That distinction could become important if the league considers whether his recent actions point to a repeated problem rather than an isolated mistake.




Ravens fans defend Smith despite growing criticismThe reaction has not been entirely against the Baltimore linebacker. Some Ravens supporters believe Buffalo's decision to repeatedly use Allen on quarterback sneaks exposes its star quarterback to unnecessary physical contact.




One fan wrote, “You are running a rugby play and crying that your QB is getting hit in a contact sport! Grow up.”




Another added, “Josh Allen does silly stuff and is protected by the rules. He gets hurt; it’s on him.”




The disagreement highlights an important distinction. Quarterback sneaks are legal, but defenders must still follow the league's rules on unnecessary contact and player safety. The physical nature of the play does not automatically excuse a facemask grab.




Smith signed a five-year, $100 million extension with Baltimore in 2023, becoming the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in NFL history at the time. His contract reflects his importance to the defense, but his value to the Ravens also makes any potential suspension a bigger concern.




Baltimore already has problems after losing three consecutive games and falling to 4-4. With Lamar Jackson facing surgery on his right thumb, another setback involving Smith would create an additional headache for the team. The linebacker now faces a difficult week, with his previous punishment making the latest incident harder to dismiss.