Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes might be a little lighter in the wallet after the NFL has fined him for a horse-collar tackle at Denver last Sunday.
#Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes was fined $17,363 for a horse collar
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 9, 2015
Rhodes, a third year pro, likely prevented a touchdown when he dragged Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders down from behind at the end of a 43-yard reception in Denver’s 23-20 victory over the Vikings on Sunday.
Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes was fined $17,363 for his horse collar tackle of Emmanuel Sanders last Sunday. pic.twitter.com/3Km8oraj3R
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 9, 2015
The play came happened early in the third quarter of Sunday’s game. The Broncos eventually did score on the drive when Peyton Manning connected with tight end Owen Daniels on a 1-yard touchdown pass.
According to the Bleacher Report, Rhodes has been struggling in 2015. After breaking up 18 passes in 2014, so far Rhodes has just three breakups this year.
Xavier Rhodes struggling a lot more this season than 2014. Allowing a passer rating 30+ points higher than a year ago.
— PFF (@PFF) October 4, 2015
1500 ESPN notes that Rhodes was also flagged twice for defensive pass interference in the game. He now has a league-high seven penalties by a defensive back through just four weeks.
It was the Vikings first fine of the season, with Rhodes having to fork out more than $17,000.
Neither Rhodes or the team have commented on the fine yet.
The Vikings are on a bye this week. They host Kansas City when they return on Oct. 18.
