Roughing The Passer Rule Doesn’t Make NFL Safer

by
Former Writers
September 25, 2018

ruthielong406 via Flickr

Roughing The Passer Rule

Just over a month ago, the source of controversy for defenders was the NFL’s new helmet rule. Despite concerns, the “body weight” rule has taken over as the controversial penalty of the month.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews has had controversial calls against him in two consecutive weeks. The Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday Night Football game had four roughing the passer penalties called, tied for the most in one game in the NFL since 2001.

The rule was put in place to protect the league’s signal-callers. However, has the league neglected the defenders that will be impacted by the rule?

Controversy over the NFL's new helmet-hitting rule? That's so last month. The gripes by defensive players and fans two weeks into the season are over the way QBs are being protected… https://t.co/TPKIQZDfeR

— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) September 17, 2018

The William Hayes Effect

Moreover, it took the league seeing such a repulsive injury to begin to evoke conversation. William Hayes tore his ACL while sacking Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. As the Miami Dolphins pass rusher began to bring Carr to the ground, he kicked his leg out to avoid putting his body weight on Carr.

Dolphins DL William Hayes tore his ACL, he’s out for the season. Big loss. It happened when he tried not to put his body weight on Derek Carr while sacking him and got his foot caught in the ground.

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 24, 2018

In addition, players such as Richard Sherman and Cameron Jordan had much to say regarding the play. Protecting the NFL’s quarterbacks should be a priority, no one denies that. However, defenders being expected to fight against momentum as they make a tackle is absurd. The NFL must make some changes, and fast.

The Competition Committee

NFL reporter Judy Batista provided much insight of the competition committee and why the committee is “in limbo” in regard to the roughing the passer rule. It is apparent that the league was “all in” on this rule prior to what has been a controversial three weeks. However, even they are feeling uncomfortable regarding many of the roughing the passer calls.

Why is it possible there will be no change to roughing the passer calls this season? Because there is a feeling it could be difficult for the league to pull back on a safety-related rule.

— Judy Battista (@judybattista) September 25, 2018

While the league understands that there are issues with the current rule, it won’t be easy to change. The league has put all of its eggs in one basket as far as protecting players, especially quarterbacks. Chances are unless something drastic occurs, we will continue to see a high frequency of roughing the passer calls.