Jason Babin takes shot at QBs

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jason Babin said Thursday the best way for the NFL to protect quarterbacks was to "get better linemen."

The pass rusher, who was slapped with a $15,000 fine for his hit on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith during the Eagles' 24-23 loss Sunday, offered the advice on his Twitter account.

"Attn:Guy at the NFL that decides on who and how much players get fined Stop being a puppet, if you want to protect QB's, get better linemen," he wrote.

Babin later admitted the tweet was intended to be a joke.

"That was just meant to be sarcastic," Babin said, according to The Phildelphia Inquirer. "But my main point was the person that decides the fines -- I'm assuming they're supposed to be unbiased and make decisions for themselves according to the rules and regulations -- not let outside influences affect their decision-making."

Babin, who was hit with a personal foul penalty after the hit on Smith, plans to appeal the fine, according to The Inquirer.

The 31-year-old defensive end signed a five-year deal with the Eagles during the offseason after a Pro Bowl year with the Tennessee Titans in 2010.