There’s nothing subtle about Buffalo lineman Richie Incognito
PITTSBURGH 鈥� The Steelers were nonplussed after Week 6 when Miami鈥檚 Ndamukong Suh鈥檚 apparent leg whip on Ben Roethlisberger was not penalized. They were plenty ticked off too when they thought the New York Giants were taking liberties on Le鈥橵eon Bell last week.
And now comes Richie Incognito, a player with a less-than-sterling reputation.
Despite his surname, the Buffalo Bills left guard is about as subtle as a kick to the groin, which wouldn鈥檛 be out of character for Incognito. At age 33, Incognito has mellowed a little but he remains a thorn to play against.
鈥淗e鈥檚 a gritty player, tough, physical player,鈥� said defensive end Stephon Tuitt, who figures to see plenty of Incognito when the Steelers face the Bills in Buffalo on Sunday. 鈥淲hen you play guys like that, you have to make sure you strap your helmet.鈥�
In his 11-year career, Incognito has been penalized 64 times. He鈥檚 also been fined seven times by the NFL, for infractions ranging from chop blocks, excessive facemasks and head-butting for a staggering $574,703. In 2013, Incognito made national headlines for bullying Miami teammate Jonathan Martin and was subsequently suspended eight games by the Dolphins for conduct detrimental to the team, along with a $470,000 fine.
Oh, the other thing about Incognito: He鈥檚 good.
In 2015, Incognito鈥檚 first in Buffalo, he returned to his Pro Bowl form. This year, Incognito has been a key cog in Buffalo鈥檚 top-ranked run game. Led by LeSean McCoy, Buffalo is averaging a franchise-best 5.44 yards per carry. That鈥檚 better than the 5.10 yards the Bills averaged in 1973 during 鈥� go figure 鈥� O.J. Simpson鈥檚 historic 2,000-yard rushing season.
Despite Incognito鈥檚 rap sheet, the Steelers aren鈥檛 about to start a war of words before Sunday鈥檚 game.
鈥淗e just plays good football,鈥� Tuitt said. 鈥淗e plays football the way football is supposes to be played with physicality. In the game, you have to be physical against him.鈥�
And if the Steelers get past the Bills unscathed, there鈥檚 always next week when they face old protagonist Vontaze Burfict in Cincinnati.