Dear NFL Rules Committee: Stop Pampering Quarterbacks
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by user False Prophet
There is a problem in the NFL, and it is the roughing the passer rule. Now, defenders are flagged for a 15 yard penalty and a first down just for hitting the Quarterback. I, myself, and a Strongside Linebacker on my High school team, and I know that when you start going after the Quarterback, you can't successfully do the job if you have to worry about being flagged as soon as you touch them. Lets examine the rule.
If you vist this page, which explains the rules about Quarterbacks, you read that if the referee believes thatthe defender "...had a reasonable chance to stop themselves..." then it is a penalty, but what does this mean? This rule has been used against a Minnesota Vikings Defensive End who was fined $5,000 for a late hit. I watched this game, and the play in question was a normal hit that was started during the throwing motion, yet it is still called. Quarterbacks are treated as if they can't be hit at all, as seen in the Giants-Titans game.
Now, you ask what should be done? I say that the rule about no hits below the knee should stand. It is a safety rule that is necessary. But what needs to be changed is that defenders need to be able to hit the Quarterbacks. They are not in any way more important or more special than any other player. I was listening to the Sludge & Lake show, the night show for the Minnesota ESPN radio affiliate flagship station, and they brought up the point that Players like Steve Young, Joe Montana, and Brett Favre would have had, or would have longer careers if they had this type of protection, especially in the case of Young. Quarterbacks all ready get to break in their own balls to use for each game, they don't need even more pampering. So please NFL, stop the pampering.
