NFL Acknowledges Error on Jack Campbell’s Roughing the Passer Penalty
During a recent NFL game between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings, a controversial penalty marred the Lions’ performance. Linebacker Jack Campbell was penalized for roughing the passer while attempting to sack Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. This call turned a crucial third-and-5 situation into an automatic first down for the Vikings.
NFL Acknowledges Error on Jack Campbell’s Roughing the Passer Penalty
The incident sparked debate among analysts and fans regarding the legitimacy of the penalty. While analysts on FOX debated the call’s validity, the NFL ultimately admitted that the roughing the passer penalty was incorrect.
Details of the Incident
The hit led to significant confusion over the roughing the passer rule. According to the rule, defenders must avoid unnecessary roughness, particularly when tackling players in a defenseless position. The officiating crew cited the “body weight” rule, claiming Campbell had driven his full weight into McCarthy.
Key Rules Explained
- A defender is prohibited from “stuffing” or driving a passer into the ground.
- Players must not violently throw down a passer after a throw.
- Defenders should aim to brace their fall or land on the side of the quarterback.
In this case, Campbell appeared to brace his fall with his arms, clearly demonstrating that he did not land with full weight onto McCarthy. This move aligns with the league’s expectations for safe tackling techniques.
Consequences of the Call
Typically, a roughing the passer call can result in substantial fines. First-time offenders face a penalty of $17,389, while repeat offenders could incur fines of up to $23,186. However, Campbell was not fined, indicating that the NFL recognized the mistake regarding the call.
While the call may have altered the game’s momentum temporarily, it ultimately did not impact the outcome. The Lions later intercepted McCarthy, countering the initial penalty’s effect. Notably, no Lions players were fined during this match, and the only penalty issued was against Vikings running back Aaron Jones for a separate infraction.
