Source: BroBible
Summary
The Kansas City Chiefs were given a 15-yard penalty during a game against the Miami Dolphins after Chop Robinson was flagged for roughing the passer. The hit occurred on Patrick Mahomes, who was tackled to the chest. The NFL rulebook defines roughing the passer as contact after the ball is released, driving a quarterback into the ground, or landing on them with full body weight. The penalty gave the Chiefs a first down and later led to a field goal. Critics argue the call was questionable and could hurt the league’s image.
Our Reading
The habit gets a new name.
Referees call it a foul.
Players call it a break.
Fans call it a joke.
The NFL calls it a rule.
Mahomes always gets the call—because he’s the star.
Author: Evan Null
What is roughing the passer?
The NFL rulebook outlines specific scenarios where a defender can be penalized for roughing the passer. These include hitting the quarterback after the ball is released, driving them into the ground, or landing on them with full body weight. The rule also covers helmet contact to the head or neck, lowering the head, and hitting below the knee. The penalty is 15 yards and an automatic first down.
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs were bailed out by the penalty.
During a crucial moment in the game, Chop Robinson was flagged for roughing the passer after hitting Mahomes in the chest. The hit did not involve driving the quarterback into the ground or landing with full body weight. Despite this, the penalty was called, giving the Chiefs a first down and eventually a field goal. The decision sparked debate over the fairness of the call.
The NFL rulebook defines roughing the passer
According to the NFL rulebook, roughing the passer can be called for several reasons, including hitting the quarterback after the ball is released, unnecessarily wrestling them down, or landing on them with full body weight. The rule also prohibits hitting the quarterback in the head or neck area with the helmet, lowering the head, or hitting below the knee. The penalty is 15 yards and an automatic first down.
The Chiefs’ drive continued after the penalty
The penalty gave the Chiefs a fresh set of downs, allowing them to continue their drive. They eventually scored a field goal, which could have been achieved even with a holding penalty. The decision to call the roughing the passer penalty was seen as a pivotal moment in the game, raising questions about the consistency of officiating.
Critics question the optics of the call
The questionable penalty has drawn criticism from fans and analysts alike. Some argue that the call was made to protect Mahomes, the league’s star quarterback. The decision has raised concerns about the fairness of officiating and the potential impact on the NFL’s public image. Whether the call was justified or not, it has sparked a broader conversation about the rules and their enforcement.
