The NFL has stood by a controversial penalty on Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones for roughing the passer in Monday night’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
NFL senior vice president of officiating administration Perry Fewell recorded a video defending the call, which was sent to all 32 NFL teams, The Athletic reported Thursday.
Jones sacked Raiders quarterback Derek Carr during Monday night’s 30-29 Chiefs win, hitting the quarterback in his midsection. Although Jones attempted to brace himself as both players went to the ground, putting his hand out to the turf, referee Carl Cheffers ruled it roughing the passer because Jones landed on Carr with his full body weight.
The ball also came loose on the play, meaning the play was still active.
“The Kansas City defender executes his rush plan in his effort to sack the quarterback,” Fewell said in the video. “He lands with his full body weight on the drive to the ground. A quarterback in the pocket, in a passing posture, gets full protection until he can defend himself. This was a properly called foul for roughing the passer.”
Jones and the Chiefs have been vocal in their criticism of the decision.
“I’m not saying the ref is wrong, but I’m just saying those situations can affect the game tremendously,” Jones said. “Especially in the playoffs, a critical situation like that, a game-changing play, it can affect the whole (expletive) game. Excuse my language, but we just have to take initiative as a league and see what we can do better.”
The play garnered extra attention in part because it came one day after Atlanta Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett was whistled for roughing the passer while sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady. Jarrett wrapped up Brady by the waist and tossed him to the ground. The penalty hurt the Falcons’ chances of mounting a comeback, as they ultimately lost 21-15.
–Field Level Media
