Why is Roughing the Passer Always Controversial? Play Involving Patrick Mahomes Once Again Sparks Debate

In the Q3 of the 2024 NFL season opener between the Chiefs and the Ravens, with just 12:19 left on the clock, a “roughing the passer penalty” on Ravens’ pass rusher Justin Madubuike changed everything.

Madubuike’s hit on Mahomes took place after the Chiefs QB had already released the ball. According to the NFL rules, defenders have to ease up and bypass any kind of excessive contact once the ball is thrown.

Madubuike’s tackle was not only late but also forceful, slamming Mahomes into the ground.

This penalty also leads to 15-yard advancement and an automatic first down, where the disqualification of the player is possible for severe infractions.

Usually, the “roughing the passer penalty” is controversial because of its subjective nature, the kind of impact it has on NFL games, and the struggles defenders have to put up with to avoid penalties.

WOW… The #Ravens get called for a ROUGHING THE PASSER after this play involving Patrick Mahomes.

Completely changes the entire complexion of the drive.
pic.twitter.com/OHNRf6NXfu

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 6, 2024

Like every time, the call sparked a debate on social media, with fans accusing the refs of clearly favoring Mahomes. Comparing the Chiefs QB to Tom Brady, one fan suggested that all calls will “go his way” :

He’s the next Tom Brady.. all calls will go his way.

— TitanUp BC (@BrandonConnor12) September 6, 2024

A fan called the game “rigged” to favor the Chiefs:

The same rigged shit to favor The Chiefs. Rigged officials stealing games for the Chiefs it got old. I feel like not watching Chiefs games anymore because of all this bullshit

— David Zusman (@WaterfrontDavid) September 6, 2024

However, some fans conceded that the intensity of the hit justified a RP penalty:

I mean, he gets hit high and low. I’m far from a Chiefs fan, but this isn’t the call to complain about. Can’t get hit at the knees or the head. Looks like he gets hit both

— Robert (@BearsPurgatory) September 6, 2024

Tbf… he hit him in the head… don't like it but it's the right call.

— Ben (@TheHurricaneBen) September 6, 2024

NFL rules are pretty strict about protecting their QBs, especially when they are defenseless. Thus, the referee considered Madubuike’s hit as completely unnecessary and too harsh.

The penalty gave the KC Chiefs a fresh set of downs and also made way for their scoring opportunities. Following the penalty, the Chiefs QB connected with WR, Justin Watson for a 25-yard gain and then with Rashee Rice for a 33-yard gain.

This momentum shift led the Chiefs Kingdom deep into the Ravens’ territory and put a lot of pressure on the latter’s defense.

Moreover, the impact of the “roughing the passer penalty” was quite evident when the Ravens called their first timeout of the second half and tried to halt the reigning Super Bowl champion’s drive and regroup.