In the fourth quarter, Tom Brady and the Buccaneers were saved by a questionable penalty call against the Atlanta Falcons.
With less than three minutes remaining and a 21-15 lead, the Buccaneers needed only a few more first downs to run out the time and earn the victory. Grady Jarrett, a defensive lineman for the Falcons, pulled down quarterback Tom Brady on third-and-short on the midfield line.
Jerome Boger threw a flag on the play, punishing Jarrett for roughing the passer, despite the fact that the play appeared to be a simple sack.
—Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB)
10 October 2022
Again, the play makes it difficult to determine what Jarrett did incorrectly. This year, Jarrett gets paid more than $17 million for his ability to penetrate opposing backfields and tackle quarterbacks.
Boger stated after the game that Jarrett had been excessively violent.
“The defender grabbed the quarterback while he was still in the pocket and threw him to the ground needlessly,” Boger explained. This was the basis for my decision-making.
It is somewhat remarkable to say that Jarrett’s acts were “unnecessary.” In a circumstance where the Falcons were down and needed a stop, most observers would agree that sacking Brady was absolutely necessary.
Tristan Wirfs, an offensive lineman with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, speculated that Brady’s seasoned standing in the league may have helped him receive the call.
“With Tom being who he is, I believe he’ll receive those calls more often than not,” Wirfs remarked, noting that his quarterback was now 45 years old.
Todd Bowles, head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, speculated that the flag may have been thrown because the NFL was being extra cautious after the concussions of Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa drew additional attention to how the organization protects its players.
“I witnessed that individual being called. I observed it against Tua, since he possessed it. “I witnessed it this morning in London,” Bowles remarked. “Therefore, I believe they are beginning to crack down on some of these things, hurling back perhaps. Currently, the way they are describing it, I believe that many individuals would have received that call.”
Brady had little to say about the penalty, which ultimately contributed to his team’s victory.
After the game, Brady informed reporters, “I don’t toss the flags.”
—Greg Auman (@gregauman)
9 October 2022
However, Brady has been skeptical of the NFL’s rule revisions over the past few years that were designed to better protect quarterbacks.
Prior to the 2021 NFL season, Brady stated, “Every strong hit is a penalty for the defense.” “I believe that defensive players are punished for offensive errors.
“As quarterback, you must defend yourself and your teammates. Your opponent should not be responsible for your protection.”
While Brady may not agree with how the NFL’s rules have evolved over the course of his two decades in the game, it’s likely he didn’t mind picking up the penalty on Sunday to help the Buccaneers win.