The Jacksonville Jaguars have a player on each side of the ball being docked pay following the overtime victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
The NFL announced Saturday that linebacker Dennis Gardeck was fined $11,275 for taunting and unsportsmanlike conduct near the opening kickoff, though the specific action that led to the penalty was not immediately disclosed. Additionally, center Robert Hainsey received a $12,172 fine for an unnecessary roughness infraction—a low block—committed in the third quarter with 9:25 remaining.
For the Cardinals, receiver Andre Baccellia was fined $5,722 for an unnecessary roughness call that the league said happened “away from the play” near the opening kickoff.
Gardeck Becoming Leader For Talented Jags Defense
Gardeck played with a noticeable edge against his former team, and it showed in what became his strongest outing of an already impressive season. He registered 1.5 sacks, four quarterback hits, and consistently pressured Jacoby Brissett throughout the game.
GettyGLENDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 23: Michael Carter #22 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by Dennis Gardeck #47 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half of a game at State Farm Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
“It was kind of strange for it to be a big deal to me before the season and everything. It was something I kind of looked forward to,” Gardeck said at media availability earlier this week. “(It) was my mom’s birthday, so as soon as we kind of got the schedule, (she) was like, ‘you’re playing the Cardinals on my birthday and I want a win.”
A steady presence for the Jaguars’ defense, the 31-year-old has appeared in all 11 games this season, tallying 38 total tackles, one pass defensed, and one forced fumble. He’s expected to remain one of Jacksonville’s top outside linebackers heading into the week 13 matchup against the Tennessee Titans (1-10).
Jaguars Defense Best in the NFL at Stopping the Run
Jacksonville (7-4) has won three of its last four games, strengthening its position in the AFC playoff race. Gardeck said the locker room is continuing to build trust as the team eyes a postseason run.
“I think it’s good that we can lean on each other,” Gardeck said. “It builds trust in all threes phases of the ball. I think it’s something that brings the locker room together.”
The Jaguars’ defense finds itself in the middle of the pack for NFL rankings, but they’ve been the best in the league at stopping the run. First-year defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile is receiving a lot of credit for his leadership and Gardeck is among them.
“Super creative, super smart, also just who he is as a man and a leader,” Gardeck said. “I think the locker room and the guys really respond well to Camp. It’s definitely brought new life into my career.”
Trevor Lawrence Has Turnover Problem
Although one of the better seasons for the Jaguars in recent years, quarterback Trevor Lawrence‘s play hasn’t been seamless.
Lawrence has statistically declined this season and the passing game can’t seem to stop turning the ball over. Lawrence has thrown an interception four games in a row and has failed to crack a 100+ QB rating this season. Against Arizona, he threw three picks.
“People can watch the tape and make their own judgements, and I’ll watch it and do the same,” Lawrence said after the game. “I got to be smart with the ball. Obviously, we had four turnovers and they were all on me. I own that and got to do my job and take care of the ball and not put our defense in tough spots. I totally get that. But I’m never gonna play scared, I’m going to continue to let it rip. And I think that’s why we have a chance at the end of the day because you keep playing. So never going to apologize for that.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post NFL Announces Punishment for Jaguars Defensive Leader appeared first on Heavy Sports.