When questioned today about the brawl that marred the Philadelphia Eagles victory Sunday over visiting Washington, Eagles offensive tackle Jason Peters professed his only concern was winning the next game.
"I'm worried about going to San Fran and trying to get a W," he said.
Pressed further on the matter though, Peters allowed that his decision to go after Washington defensive tackle Chris Baker after Baker "obliterated" quarterback Nick Foles during an interception return, was purely instinct.
"I just reacted."
Peters, as a veteran leader on the team, seemed to understand that he made a poor decision by going after Baker.
"It was wrong. I got kicked out (of) the game, which definitely hurt the team ... I'm going to try to stay away from that."
The Eagles, already facing injuries along the offensive line to starters Evan Mathis and center Jason Kelce, and having lost starting right tackle Lane Johnson to a four-game suspension to start the season, were forced to play the rest of the game with only a single projected starting offensive lineman, albeit one playing out of position.
But, as a left tackle tasked with making sure he takes care of quarterback Nick Foles' blindside and overall well-being, Peters wouldn't repent for his actions.
"I'd do the same thing if it happened again. The guy cheap-shotted my quarterback," Peters said. "I'm going to protect him."
Baker, for his part, claimed he thought was he was making a "football play" and would do the same thing again as well (NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent announced today that he reviewed the tape and did not deem Baker's hit to be illegal or fine-worthy).
"He gon' get the same result," Peters quipped.
"He just cheap-shotted him. Foles wasn't trying to make the play, he was just going over to the sideline in a little light trot, and he blindsided him."
In a tough NFC East divisional game like this one, it's no surprise that tempers flared and poor decisions were made.
Coach Chip Kelly, who responded "next question" when asked about the incident after the game, told Peters he was, "understanding", but didn't "condone it".
Kelly is no doubt torn between the frustration of losing his All-Pro offensive lineman for the rest of the game and respect that Peters' first instinct was to protect his quarterback.
It's a tough balance to maintain, but one that Kelly is no doubt happy to deal with.
Peters, meanwhile, said if he had to do it over again, he'd do it all the same, fine be damned.
"I've definitely got a fine coming, but I'm willing to pay it."
