[sandtrapjack]

Heres an interesting observation from Jerome Bettis off SI.COM

Originally Posted by SI.COM

I see how the scuffle between Atlanta and Washington started. Matt Ryan got hit a little late on the sideline, and when you see that happen to the leader of your team you start thinking all of the worst things. No other single player has a bigger part in whether you win or lose. I know how much it scares you as a player, and so you want to retaliate. I get that. It's going to happen. Coaches understand that.

But you're entering a danger zone when you get involved as a coach, Mike Smith. Think about this in terms of war. When you see your general go to the line, all hands are on deck. Smith got into the fray and every single Falcon was there in a heartbeat. Fine. But what happens next time? All of a sudden, it's in the head of every one of those Atlanta players: When someone crosses our sideline or touches our quarterback late, it's on. And it can't be that simple. I don't think Smith should be punished, per se, but he needs to come out and say he went too far before his own players get the wrong idea.

Larry Johnson can still play, but will new NFL team step up? - Jerome Bettis - SI.com