Why Roughing the Passer Is One of the NFL’s Most Controversial Rules

Posted on by Nafiz Labib

Roughing the passer is a penalty in football that’s controversial because it’s hard to figure out when a hit is good and when it’s a foul. Essentially, if a defensive player hits the passer after they release the ball, roughing the passer is called. When a defensive player does make contact before the ball is released, they can’t hit the quarterback’s helmet or hit them below the waist. For this call, the defensive team receives a 15-yard penalty, and their opponents get an automatic first down.

Making the call in-game isn’t so straightforward because it’s hard to determine as mentioned prior. For example, the defensive player is permitted to make contact with the passer if their momentum prevents them from stopping once the ball has been released. Referees are permitted to make judgment calls on a case-by-case basis based on the severity of the impact and the perceived intent of the defensive player. For example, if a defensive player slams the quarterback on the ground with unnecessary force despite making contact before the pass is released, they might receive a roughing the passer penalty.

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Rule changes have taken place to more properly define what’s considered roughing the passer. In 2018, the NFL passed a rule that made it illegal for a pass rusher to land on top of the offensive player with most or all of their body weight. Many people argued against this because it’s so hard to follow in the midst of a play. In fact, not too long after this rule was passed, in a game between the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles (now Las Vegas) Raiders, Dolphins defensive lineman William Hayes avoided landing on Raiders quarterback Derek Carr in 2018. In the process, Hayes injured his ACL.

Roughing the passer arguably has some flaws, and it is up to the individual referees to make the call. Stakes can get even higher with a call during postseason games, as one call may entirely change the outcome of the match.

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