NFL reviewing Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict’s low hit on Patriots’ Martellus Bennett

While the New England Patriots blew the doors off the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half, rolling to a 35-17 victory in Tom Brady’s 2016 home debut, the game wasn’t without controversy late.

With 11 minutes, 22 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and the Patriots facing a third-and-2, Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict delivered what appeared to be an egregious low hit, diving helmet-first into tight end Martellus Bennett’s knees.

Bennett did tell reporters after the game that Burfict apologized to him, revealing the low hit was unintentional.

Even still, this report was only the natural progression after Sunday’s event.

NFL reviewing Vontze Burfict low hit on Martellus Bennett, as is customary. A player's history can factor in to potential discipline.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 17, 2016

After all, Burfict’s repeated dirty play a year ago ultimately earned him a three-game suspension to begin this season.