A big controversy during the season, and the playoffs specifically, has been hits to the quarterback when running. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was the benefactor of a controversial unnecessary roughness penalty that could lead to a rule change this offseason.
The quarterback is going to be protected by the NFL, and we all know that. The increase of mobile quarterbacks has extended that protection outside of the pocket. While there’s nothing wrong with protecting players, quarterbacks tend to receive a level of protection that is compromising to defenders.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the NFL is considering adding plays involving quarterback slides to the list of plays replay assist can be used with. There are multiple close calls that include late slides and questionable contact points.
Referees are seemingly inclined to give the benefit of the doubt to the quarterback in these situations. Adding replay assist takes any doubt out of it. The Texans versus Chiefs game showed how impactful these calls can be.
