CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- The Broncos balked at Tennessee Titans receiver Harry Douglas avoiding a fine for his block on cornerback Chris Harris Jr.
And the league balked at Emmanuel Sanders' pitching celebration, docking the Broncos receiver $12,154 for his touchdown celebration last Sunday.
Denver cornerback Aqib Talib was not fined for fighting with Douglas following what multiple players called a "dirty play" on Harris. Teammates publicly and privately praised Talib for coming to Harris' defense. He tangled with Douglas on the Titans' sideline. Several Titans approached him, yet no one challenged him even as he took his helmet off and welcomed any takers.
"The only thing I heard was 'Don't get ejected!'" Talib said.
Officials penalized Talib, but the league took no additional action on Friday.
"I am just glad Aqib didn't get fined," Harris told Denver7.
The incident sharpened the Broncos' edge. They continue to use it as a reminder of the team's closeness as the Broncos try to make a final playoff push.
"We are a family," Broncos safety T.J. Ward said. "Especially on defense."
Sanders knew immediately after the game he would be fined for using the football as a prop. After his fourth-quarter score, Sanders pretended to be a pitcher coming set before firing a fastball into the back wall. Coach Gary Kubiak blistered Sanders for his celebration because of the 15-yard penalty on the kickoff. But it didn't end up hurting the Broncos.
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