Playing defense in the 2023 NFL isn’t easy. Even with defenses seemingly thriving better than ever, a lot of rules are skewed greatly in favor of protecting offensive skill players.
Keanu Neal had an awful reminder of this reality against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
On an early key third down, the Pittsburgh Steelers safety pressured Trevor Lawrence and made what appeared to be a routine form tackle. That was not the officials’ interpretation. They penalized Neal with an erroneous roughing the passer call. (Lawrence did complete the pass to Christian Kirk anyway, but it’s about the principle!)
And the more I watch it, I’m really unsure what Neal was supposed to do differently because that is a classic football hit — exactly the way it’s taught.
Roughing the passer 🤦♂️ #Steelers pic.twitter.com/R8h6vBmp9v
— Chad Tyson (@chadtyson) October 29, 2023
I understand that officials will (rightfully) err on the side of caution and give defenders less of the benefit of the doubt. It’s probably one of the main ways to keep pro football solvent and safe enough in the modern era. But horrible calls like this on Neal still stand out like sore thumbs.
This is how Twitter reacted
That roughing the passer call in Keanu Neal might be the worst call I’ve seen this year. Hit the midsection with a textbook tackle. Head to the side. Ball just out of Lawrence’s hand. Joke. #Steelers
— David Todd (@DavidMTodd) October 29, 2023
The #NFL may need to look at changing the roughing the passer rule.
What is Keanu Neal supposed to do?
— Isaiah Butler (@BVMButler) October 29, 2023
I have no idea what else a player is supposed to do in that situation. Keanu Neal made that hit while the ball was coming out. It’s not like he can just stop his momentum all of a sudden.
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorHD) October 29, 2023
Keanu Neal called for roughing the passer on Lawrence for hitting him a half-second after the ball was released. Steelers get another 15-yard flag that was highly questionable.
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) October 29, 2023
That Keanu Neal penalty is a joke. Basically just don't hit the quarterback. Ever.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) October 29, 2023
Keanu Neal tackles Trevor Lawrence and gets called for roughing the passer
— Jenna Harner (@JennaHarner11) October 29, 2023
I'm not sure what Keanu Neal is supposed to do there.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) October 29, 2023
The roughing the passer call on Keanu Neal is correct by rule. I think the rule doesn't offer enough room for interpretation (re body weight) and hits that aren't obviously aggressive or brutal are excessively flagged for it.
— Jamie ⚔️ 🐅🦜🌹 (@trequartbeasta) October 29, 2023
Keanu Neal just got a penalty for tackling someone
— The Herd🤘 (@TheHerdUSF) October 29, 2023
