Lavonte David ensured that the beleaguered New York Jets will not go 0-16.
With the Jets trailing 17-15 in the waning moments of their season opener against Tampa Bay on Sunday, the Buccaneers' linebacker delivered what may prove to be the most boneheaded play of the 2013 season. David shoved Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith after he was out of bounds near midfield and drew a 15-yard personal foul penalty that moved the Jets into position for a game-winning field goal.
“I wouldn’t have hit him if I thought he wasn’t going to stay in bounds," David told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times after the Bucs' shocking 18-17 loss. "They said he was out of a bounds so the guy called the flag. To me, he was in bounds.''
GIF: David Delivers Costly Late Hit
(GIF via @BuzzFeedSports)
The Bucs were leading, the Jets were out of timeouts and the clock showed just 15 seconds when Smith took the shotgun snap 55 yards away from the end zone on the play that ended in David's two-handed blunder. Moments later, Nick Folk nailed a 48-yard field goal to send the Jets to the improbable 18-17 win.
Needless to say, David's move didn't go unnoticed.
Up next, Gang Green will travel to New England with first place in the AFC East on the line.