There’s nothing subtle about Buffalo lineman Richie Incognito
PITTSBURGH — The Steelers were nonplussed after Week 6 when Miami’s Ndamukong Suh’s 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’Veon 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’t be out of character for Incognito. At age 33, Incognito has mellowed a little but he remains a thorn to play against.
“He’s a gritty player, tough, physical player,” said defensive end Stephon Tuitt, who figures to see plenty of Incognito when the Steelers face the Bills in Buffalo on Sunday. “When you play guys like that, you have to make sure you strap your helmet.”
In his 11-year career, Incognito has been penalized 64 times. He’s 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’s good.
In 2015, Incognito’s first in Buffalo, he returned to his Pro Bowl form. This year, Incognito has been a key cog in Buffalo’s top-ranked run game. Led by LeSean McCoy, Buffalo is averaging a franchise-best 5.44 yards per carry. That’s better than the 5.10 yards the Bills averaged in 1973 during — go figure — O.J. Simpson’s historic 2,000-yard rushing season.
Despite Incognito’s rap sheet, the Steelers aren’t about to start a war of words before Sunday’s game.
“He just plays good football,” Tuitt said. “He plays football the way football is supposes to be played with physicality. In the game, you have to be physical against him.”
And if the Steelers get past the Bills unscathed, there’s always next week when they face old protagonist Vontaze Burfict in Cincinnati.