A controversial officiating call in the first half of the Sunday Night Football game left many fans livid, and one Hall of Famer calling for a rule change.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts dropped back to pass early in the second quarter. His pass got deflected, but on the play, Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins got flagged for roughing the passer.
It appeared that Wilkins let up at the last second in an effort to avoid contact. The officials saw it differently.
Was this roughing the passer penalty?. Terry McAulay wasn't convinced.
"I say he hits him in one step. He actually pulls off with his hands, he doesn't follow through and blow up the quarterback. This just isn't enough for roughing the passer."pic.twitter.com/Nu9eBK2M5N
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 23, 2023
NBC Sports rules analyst Terry McAulay disagreed with the penalty.
“I say he hits him in one step,” McAulay said. “He actually pulls off with his hands, he doesn’t follow through and blow up the quarterback. This just isn’t enough for roughing the passer.”
McAulay wasn’t the only one who disagreed with the call. Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner tweeted, “It’s time to make “roughing the passer” reviewable … to many “no ways” happening right now! (And it’s extending drives, leading to TDs & changing complexion of games) #WhosWithMe”
It’s time to make “roughing the passer” reviewable… to many “no ways” happening right now! (And it’s extending drives, leading to TDs & changing complexion of games) #WhosWithMe 🙋🏻♂️
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) October 23, 2023
Former ESPN personality Trey Wingo, now with the Pro Football Network, was not as polite.
“Come on man … roughing the passer??? RIDICULOUS,” Wingo tweeted.
Come on man…roughing the passer??? RIDICULOUS
— trey wingo (@wingoz) October 23, 2023
The NFL world overwhelmingly agreed officials missed the call.
While I agree, the league tried this with PI and the officials simply refused to reverse the calls on the field. Not sure why we would expect anything to change this time around
— ColinK (@Hott_CoKo) October 23, 2023
I am an eagles fan and will say that is terrible
— Gary Morinchin (@llrefgary) October 23, 2023
NFL needs to simplify the rulebook. A foul should be clear and repeatable with material impact to the play or player safety. Too much gray area today.
— 𝚐𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚗 (@SeattleGlen) October 23, 2023
How long before the league starts hearing from their “partners “ in the gambling industry over how poorly the product is officiated? The league has not been made to care in the past, as they generate Billions anyway, but that was before widespread legalized gambling
— Mike Bittenbender (@DrMBFP) October 23, 2023
I don’t necessarily think it needs to be reviewed. I think the rules need adjusted way too many protections for the QB in this day and age.
— Bryan Larson (@BLarsoninAK) October 23, 2023
[Awful Announcing; Photo Credit: NBC]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.