Home / Sports / JJ Watt Slams NFL Roughing the Passer Rule
JJ Watt Slams NFL Roughing the Passer Rule
20 Nov
Summary
- JJ Watt believes the roughing the passer rule is poorly enforced.
- He cites examples where the rule impacted player decisions.
- Watt feels the rule punishes defenders for making good plays.
JJ Watt, a legendary defensive player, recently voiced strong criticism regarding the NFL's roughing the passer rule. He described the enforcement as a "gray area" that he believes is detrimental to the game, stating it is "ruining the NFL." Watt's frustration stems from what he perceives as inconsistent and unclear application of the penalties.
During his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Watt pointed to specific plays, including those involving the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Chargers, to illustrate his concerns. He explained how the fear of drawing a penalty can directly influence a defender's ability to make a play, even if the tackle itself is fundamentally sound.
While the roughing the passer rule has existed since 1940, its amplified enforcement in recent decades has become a significant talking point. Watt hopes that his vocal stance might encourage the league to re-examine the rule and its application during the offseason, despite the NFL's general focus on protecting offensive stars.
