Shanahan: Brandon Meriweather 'brought it'

ASHBURN, Va. -- Brandon Meriweather didn't hesitate and did not take repeated shots at opposing players' knees, a tactic he hinted he might have to adopt given the NFL's new rules and his own penchant for high hits.

In his first game following a one-game suspension, Meriweather was not penalized, nor did he look less aggressive in the Washington Redskins' overtime win Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.

"A lot of times when a guy comes back after being fined, he's a little tentative when he hits," Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. "[Meriweather] brought it. He brought it both in the running game and the passing game and made some great open-field tackles, and he was ready to play. Really proud of him, the way he handled himself."

Meriweather was credited with six tackles, including four solo stops. None of them drew a penalty, although Chargers running back Ryan Mathews appeared to take exception to one of Meriweather's hits.

"He had one of his better games that I've seen him play -- very physical, was really on-point in the passing game as well," Shanahan said.

Meriweather was suspended for a Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos for repeated violations of the NFL policy on hits. He has been fined multiple times in the past for his hits, including after a Week 2 loss at Green Bay.

Meriweather indicated last week that he would target opposing players' knees in order to avoid further discipline from the NFL.

"I guess I just got to take people's knees out," he said. "That's the only way. I would hate to end a guy's career over a rule, but I guess it's better other people than me getting suspended for longer."

Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said after the suspension that his concern was not on the fines or suspension, but on Meriweather's style of tackling.

But against San Diego, Meriweather handled his job to the Redskins' liking -- as well as the officials.


(espn.com)