The call that decided the game: was it right, or was it roughing the passer
Published: 09-10-2022 23:08
A late roughing-the-passer call helped Tom Brady extend a drive, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons.
But was it the right call?
Some are saying that the penalty on Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler for hitting Brady after he had released the ball was a ticky-tack call that changed the game.
Others are saying that Fowler hit Brady in the head and neck area, which is what the rule is supposed to protect quarterbacks from.
So who's right?
Well, let's take a look at the rule itself. According to the NFL rulebook, "a defender cannot land on a quarterback with his full body weight or drive him into the ground after he has thrown the ball."
Fowler did neither of those things. He hit Brady in the chest and wrapped him up around the shoulders. He did not drive him into the ground or land on him with his full body weight.
So was it a ticky-tack call? Yes. Was it the right call? Also yes.
