After the Falcons forced a fumble from Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno in the first quarter -- on top of three Peyton Manning interceptions (!!!) -- Falcons defensive end Ray Edwards was caught by ESPN cameras throwing punches in a scrum that broke out between the two teams.
Somehow, though, the replacement referees, who had a despicable first quarter, did not eject Edwards.
Here’s what happened after Moreno’s gaffe caused a fumble pile to form. Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel -- who had returned from a neck injury earlier in the quarter -- attempted to walk away from the pile, but he tripped over Broncos guard Zane Beadles’ leg.
It appeared Samuel thought it was intentional, though Beadles immediately put up his hands as if to say it wasn’t on purpose. Eventually, the two men put their hands on each other, and players from both squads, including Edwards, moved in to separate them.
A few seconds later, Edwards and Broncos guard Manny Ramirez started getting physical with each other, and Edwards began throwing punches, including a shot at Denver tackle Orlando Franklin. Edwards eventually was shepherded to the sideline, but he will continue playing in the Monday night game.
The good news: it seems like all that boxing training finally has paid off for Edwards.
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