The NFL wants to protect its quarterbacks, but the league’s rules are going too far.
Case, in point: Sunday’s “roughing the passer” penalty called on the Dolphins against Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes was hit as he was releasing the football close to his end zone. The Dolphins defender hit Mahomes hard and drove through the hit, before letting up prior to contact with the ground. That’s what you’re supposed to do.
However, the penalty was still called. NFL officials always lean toward calling that penalty, especially when it’s a quarterback like Mahomes, who was begging for a flag before the play even ended.
“Not sure what else the defender can do to avoid the Roughing call other than not trying to make the play,” former NFL star Richard Sherman shared on X.
NFL fans urging league to change the rule
NFL fans think it’s the “dumbest” rule in sports right now.
“I think there’s a pretty strong argument that roughing the passer, as it’s currently interpreted and called, is the dumbest rule in sports,” one fan argued.
“The rule needs to change – now,” one fan added.
The problem, too, is that it’s not consistent.
“It’s very obvious they pick and choose when and when not too call it. Raiders and saints had a similar play that was ruled a fumble, lions and saints had a similar play that was ruled and incomplete pass,” one fan added.
“This is where Chop was when Mahomes releases the ball. As the rules are currently, he is expected to completely stop his momentum in this moment and have zero follow through. When the rules punish you for not breaking the laws of physics, the rules are broken,” one fan added.
Even Chiefs fans agree.
“As a Chiefs fan, I’m inclined to agree. I’ve seen it hurt the Chiefs more than once. It may be a correct call according to the rules, but it’s not a good rule,” one fan added.
Does the NFL need to consider changing the rule?
