Broncos’ T.J. Ward calls Chiefs ‘dirty’

The Kansas City Chiefs throttled the Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon, racing to a 29-0 lead before holding on for a 16-point victory. On Kansas City’s final touchdown, an 80-yard catch-and-carry by running back Charcandrick West, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin raced down the field and blocked Broncos safety T.J. Ward.

Ward, incensed that Maclin blocked him on a play that was obviously going to be a touchdown, took a swing at Maclin and was ejected. It’s important to note Maclin’s block was legal and the star receiver was not flagged. Still, Ward was hot after the pasting was over, and he let some reporters know it. Per Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today:

"“They were a pretty dirty team: The O-linemen, receivers and tight ends. They were doing it last game and they continued to do it this game. It took an effect on me,” Ward said."

This is hilarious, because Denver has the most personal fouls in the league. One could easily make the argument that outside linebacker Von Miller is the dirtiest player in the league, consistently hitting players low and late.

Last week, Miller put his knee on the throat of an Indianapolis Colts player. In that same game, cornerback Aqib Talib was caught eye-gauging tight end Dwayne Allen, earning him a one-game suspension. In the first game against Kansas City, outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware was flagged for a personal foul against Alex Smith and subsequently was fined.

Other than that, Denver is clean as a whistle.

Maybe Ward was having trouble remembering things, because when he spoke about the punch he threw, he didn’t seem quite sure what happened. Per USA Today:

"“I got emotional. I didn’t really punch him. I don’t even think that I punched him, if you see it, but it looked like a windup,” Ward said. “You can take it how it is. It was an emotional game.”"

First, Ward says he didn’t punch him. Then he didn’t think he punched him.

I’d like to clarify. T.J., you punched him. It’s clear as day.

Also, you got pounded. Deal with it.