KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The NFL has a problem on its hands, and must quickly figure out this balancing act being tested in real time.
The league wants to make the game of football safer for its players, and that’s the singular most important standard it should continue to uphold. But decisive plays where rule changes and interpretations affect game situations and potentially outcomes are not getting the proper reviews they need to protect the integrity of the game and the product on the field for all parties involved.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones was penalized for roughing the passer after falling on top of Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr just before halftime during their game on “Monday Night Football.”
Carr was in the process of winding up for a pass when the ball was dropping to the ground as a fumble. Jones reached for the football and secured it while falling on top of Carr on the way to the ground.
The penalty allowed the Raiders to kick a field goal to take a 20-10 lead into halftime, increasing the deficit the Chiefs ultimately overcame in a 30-29 win on GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
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But the biggest takeaway from Monday’s game: The NFL had another controversial moment during primetime it must account for with its players and coaches, ticket-paying fans and viewers at home consuming their product.
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“There’s no need for an explanation,” Jones said postgame when asked if he consulted head referee Carl Cheffers after the play. “What should I say? How should I tackle? How should I not roll on him? I’m 325 pounds, okay? What you want me to do?”
After the game, Cheffers reiterated the penalty was called because Jones landed on Carr with his full body weight. Despite the ball being loose, Carr still is afforded full protection quarterbacks get while in the passing posture. The play also was not reviewed by the league office in New York during the game.
“The fact the ball came out and was subsequently recovered by the defense is not relevant as far as the protection the quarterback gets,” Cheffers said.
The NFL’s roughing the passer penalty has come under scrutiny this week since future Hall of Famer Tom Brady had one called in his favor in a win against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. And The situation in the Raiders-Chiefs game only magnifies the challenge the NFL faces.
Falcons defender Grady Jarrett was practically sitting on the field when he pulled Brady to the ground in what many believed was a routine tackle, before referees penalized him for the play.