rough*ing the pass*er
What Is The Definition Of Roughing The Passer In Football?
1. This is a penalty in football that occurs when a defensive player (or players) hits the passer after they have released the football. The passer is usually the quarterback, but can also at times be another offensive player who is trying to make a forward pass.
The defense is only allowed to make contact with the quarterback while they are in possession of the ball, such as to make a tackle or sack. However, once they have released the ball, a defensive player can only make contact with the passer if their momentum has carried them into the passer. The impact and judgment of the contact into the quarterback is up to the referee to decide, and is done so on a play-by-play basis.
Roughing the passer may also be called if a defensive player does either of the following:
1. Makes helmet-to-helmet contact with the quarterback
2. The player commits an intimidating act on the quarterback or passer, such as slamming the player to the ground too excessively.
The result of a roughing the passer penalty is 15 yards and an automatic first down.
Examples Of How Roughing The Passer Is Used In Commentary
1. Williams lets his emotions get the best of him, slamming his head into the quarterback well after the pass, resulting in roughing the passer and an automatic first down.
SportsLingo Goes The Extra-Inch With The Meaning Of Roughing The Passer
The NFL implemented the roughing the passer penalty to help protect the quarterback. When the quarterback is throwing the ball, they are left defenseless and have a high risk of injury if they are hit in the act of throwing. By creating this rule, it requires the defender to be more aware and therefore, reduces injuries to the players.
The only time a quarterback is open to contact after passing the ball is if they re-enter the play to:
- Block a defender
- Tackle a defender who is in possession of the ball, such as when they have recovered a fumble or intercepted a pass.
Sports The Term Is Used
1. Football