Colts-Chargers: Bob Sanders Makes First Stupid Play of His NFL Career

Colts-Chargers: Bob Sanders Makes First Stupid Play of His NFL Career

I've always thought that Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders, in addition to being a tough player who gets the most out of his physical attributes, is one of the NFL's smartest players. Part of the reason Sanders can deliver so many of those punishing hits is that he's so good at reading offenses and knowing where the ball carrier will be.

But Sanders committed a very stupid penalty late in the first half of today's playoff game against the San Diego Chargers. After Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding missed a 48-yard field goal, Sanders went up to him, patted him on the head and shoulders, and said something in his ear. As a result, Sanders was flagged for taunting, and instead of getting the ball at the 38-yard line with 1:45 to go in the first half, the Colts got the ball at the 24-yard line.

Sanders and Kaeding were teammates at Iowa, and they might be friends -- they're celebrating together in this picture -- but Sanders needs to know that the referee isn't going to stop to contemplate whether it was a friendly gesture or not.
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