The Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15, and there was a play during the game which is being discussed a lot in the wake of the 30-13 final score. That play was the hit by Damontae Kazee on Michael Pittman which resulted in Pittman suffering a concussion, and Kazee being both flagged and ejected from the game.

In case you missed the contest live, here is a video of the hit:

Should the NFL have ejected Damontae Kazee for this hit on Michael Pittman Jr.? #NFL pic.twitter.com/rWnUDvRtNE

— Off The Deck Sports (@OTDSports_) December 17, 2023

The question isn’t if the play should have been flagged, it absolutely should have been flagged, but what was it which resulted in an ejection from the game?

For context, in Week 13 Steelers inside linebacker Elandon Roberts was flagged for a similar hit, which also injured the offensive player, but a flag, and subsequent fine, was all Roberts received. Check out Roberts’ hit below:

#Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts was fined $21,855 for a massive hit he put on #Cardinals running back Emari Demercadopic.twitter.com/L2hnWxK8Js

— Nicholas Brown (@NicholasABrown_) December 9, 2023

So, this is when we bring the conversation full circle. What was it about Kazee’s hit which equated in him being removed from the game, and Roberts’, and many others like it, just received a flag and fine?

Some will chalk this up to the grey matter of NFL officiating, but others will call it the league trying to protect the players. What about the quarterback’s throws in both of these situations? What is Kazee supposed to do in this situation, just let Pittman come down with the pass?

I’m not saying I disagree, or agree, with anything above, but it certainly is worth the discussion. Feel free to chime in and let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest Steelers news as the team prepares for the remaining games on their schedule.