Minnesota Vikings LB Blake Cashman punished where it hurts the most after embarrassing loss vs. Los Angeles Chargers

This is a really odd decision by the NFL to fine Blake Cashman.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) reacts with the crowd after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings were rightfully embarrassed by the Los Angeles Chargers, 37-10, and it came with a lot of tough lessons.

The defense got brutalized across the board, and it felt like it was taken out of the game mentally after the pick-six by cornerback Isaiah Rodgers was overturned by instant replay. It was not only the wrong call, but the Vikings have been on the wrong end of instant replay multiple weeks in a row.

Edge rusher Dallas Turner was fined for launching himself at Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert in the first quarter of Thursday’s game, but he wasn’t the only one who received a fine. Inside linebacker Blake Cashman was fined $23,186 for unnecessary roughness: use of the helmet, while making a tackle on a run play in the second quarter.

Blake Cashman Facts

  • The New York Jets selected Cashman with the 157th pick (5th round) in the 2019 NFL Draft.
  • Cashman dealt with injuries in his first three seasons with the Jets, and broke out in two years with the Houston Texans, starting 13 games in 2023.
  • The Vikings signed Cashman to a three-year deal ahead of the 2024 season, and he was a major factor for the Vikings having one of the league’s best defenses.

Blake Cashman fined for using his helmet against the Chargers

This is an interesting fine for Cashman. It’s certainly debatable whether or not he led with his helmet based on how he launched himself at the running back. You can argue he is trying to cut down the running back’s legs by using his shoulder. Now, the NFL is actively trying to get using the helmet out of the game, but this is an interesting application of the rule.

Cashman’s fine is now the fourth of the season for the Vikings.

  • CB Byron Murphy Jr.: Week 5 vs. Cleveland Browns, $17,389 for a horse collar tackle
  • ILB Ivan Pace Jr.: Week 7 vs. Philadelphia Eagles, $5,759 for unnecessary roughness: use of the helmet
  • EDGE Dallas Turner: Week 8 vs. Los Angeles Chargers, $19,907 for unnecessary roughness: launching

Cashman has the right to appeal the fine if he wants, and the appeal will likely be heard on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Based on the play itself, Cashman may have a good case to win an appeal.

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