The NFL has upheld Vontaze Burfict’s three game suspension for his illegal hit on Antonio Brown
The Cincinnati Bengals defense was led in 2015 by linebacker Vontaze Burfict. Cincinnati did well without him in 2015 when he was injured. Now they will be asked to repeat that as Burfict’s three-game suspension for an illegal hit to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown has been upheld by the NFL.
NFL upholds 3-game suspension for Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict, per @DanGrazianoESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 11, 2016
It remains to be seen which opponents the Bengals will play in those three games that Burfict has been suspended for. However, losing a guy like Burfict is never good because he makes so many big plays. Few players have a larger impact on their defense than Burfict.
Burfict played in 10 games during the 2015 regular season. He had 74 tackles and one sack while also intercepting two passes. Vontaze defended five passes as well. In his career, Burfict has 407 tackles in 47 games played (45 games started). He has three career interceptions and five career sacks. Burfict also has five career fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown. The Bengals linebacker was named to the Pro Bowl in 2013 and was also named to the second team All-Pro squad in 2013.
The Bengals are losing their heart and soul in Burfict. Cincinnati will already be challenged enough to repeat as AFC North champs with so many key free agents including Adam Jones, Mohamad Sanu, Marvin Jones, Reggie Nelson and Andre Smith.