The NFL’s roughing the passer rule reared its ugly head yet again on Sunday.
Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Arden Key was called for roughing the passer for essentially tapping Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfiel in the first half of Sunday’s game.
#ArdenKey was flagged for roughing the passer on this play. Thoughts? #BakerMayfield #Browns #Raiders #NFL #football #CLEvsOAK pic.twitter.com/KTzct3o8M4
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) September 30, 2018
Key tapped Mayfield after he released his pass, which seems to make it a late hit. However, he clearly eased up and did not try to inflict any damage on Mayfield. He was still penalized anyway, leading to plenty of negative reactions. Take a look:
Unbelievably poor roughing call on Arden Key. I mean, embarrassing.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) September 30, 2018
Worst roughing the QB call of the year called against Arden Key. Explanation needed.
— Raiders Beat (@RaidersBeat) September 30, 2018
There have been a lot of bad roughing the passer penalties. The one on Arden Key might be the worst.
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) September 30, 2018
So much for all the talk about the league’s officials reducing their roughing the passer calls this week.
