Friday's matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers got a bit spicier than usually seen in an NFL preseason opener.
Roughly midway through the first quarter, Panthers receiver Xavier Legette and Browns safety Rayshawn Jenkins continued to tussle after the whistle blew following a run for no gain by Carolina's Chuba Hubbard.
Legette kept blocking Jenkins low, with his arms wrapped around the safety's legs as he pushed forward. Jenkins then retaliated by shoving Legette to the turf with his forearm, ripping off the receiver's helmet as teammate Myles Harden stepped in to break up the scuffle. Panthers tackle Ikem Ekwonu came over to push Harden away from Legette.
According to reporters on the scene and those who saw replays of the incident, Legette appeared to throw a punch — more than one, actually — during the skirmish. Both he and Jenkins were ejected from the game.
The Panthers and Browns participated in joint practices earlier in the week leading up to Friday's game, so it's certainly possible that the incident had roots in previous confrontations between the two players as tensions developed.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski didn't appear happy with Jenkins for getting ejected, engaging in a spirited discussion with the nine-year veteran before he went to the locker room.
Stefanski may have been more upset by the Panthers finishing off that possession with a touchdown on a five-yard pass from Bryce Young to Jalen Coker. Carolina went 73 yards in nine plays on the drive. After the offsetting penalties on Legette and Jenkins, Young completed 3-of-5 passes, connecting for 13 yards with rookie Tetairoa McMillan and 10 yards to Adam Thielen.
Legette recorded no receptions and Jenkins registered zero tackles before they were both ejected from the game.
Comments