Ouch. It wasn’t enough for Bryan Bresee to take another loss last week—his 23rd career loss since joining the New Orleans Saints. The third-year defensive tackle was fined $18,581 for illegal use of the helmet during Week 3’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. The penalty, classified as unnecessary roughness, occurred just five minutes into the game.
Bresee is earning a $109,698 weekly game check this season, so that fine is a significant hit to his wallet. It was a costly mistake from a pro who should know better.
Bresee’s pressure on Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold helped lead to an incomplete pass on third down, which would have resulted in a 41-yard field goal attempt. Instead, the penalty gifted the Seahawks a free first down and moved them halfway to the end zone. On the very next play, Darnold threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Mistakes like these have been frustratingly common for the Saints this year. Heading into Week 3, New Orleans led the league in penalties with 31. Only one team gave up more first downs by penalty than the Saints—the Dallas Cowboys—with 15, compared to the Saints’ 12.
Kellen Moore’s team has looked like one coached by a greenhorn. He needs to get the Saints playing with discipline—and soon.
https://saintswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2025/09/27/nfl-fines-saints-bryan-bresee-penalty-stats/86395340007/