Can You Hit a QB After He Throws? Navigating the NFL’s Quarterback Protection Rules
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The short answer is: generally, no, you cannot hit a quarterback after he throws the ball. However, the nuances of this rule are significant, and violations result in harsh penalties. The NFL has placed a premium on quarterback safety to protect its most valuable assets and to promote a more exciting, offensive-oriented game. Let’s delve into the specifics.
The Core of the Rule: Protecting the Passer
The overarching principle is the “passer protection” rule. This rule provides specific safeguards for the quarterback, not just while he’s actively throwing, but even in the immediate aftermath. Once the quarterback releases the ball, he’s considered a defenseless player to a certain extent. This doesn’t grant him complete immunity, but it significantly restricts what a defender can do.
The rule emphasizes that defenders are allowed to contact a player attempting a forward pass while he still has possession of the ball (e.g., a quarterback sack); however, once the ball is released, defenders are not allowed to make contact with the quarterback unless carried to do so by momentum. Intentional or reckless contact is penalized.
Permitted Contact: The Momentum Exception
The most common exception to the “no-hit” rule is the momentum exception. If a defender has already committed to a hit before the quarterback releases the ball and cannot reasonably avoid contact, the play is generally allowed to continue. This is where subjectivity often comes into play, and referees must determine whether the defender was genuinely unable to pull up or change direction.
The determination often rests on the defender’s “effort to avoid” the hit. Did the defender actively try to slow down or veer away? Or did he continue towards the quarterback with full force, even after the ball was thrown? These are the questions referees consider.
Prohibited Contact: What Constitutes a Penalty?
Several types of contact are explicitly prohibited after the quarterback has thrown the ball:
- Late Hits: These are hits that occur noticeably after the ball has been released. The definition of “late” is subjective but generally refers to a delay that allows the defender time to react and avoid the contact.
- Low Hits: The “Brady Rule,” named after Tom Brady, prohibits hitting a quarterback below the knees, even if the initial contact is above the knee. This rule aims to prevent leg injuries.
- High Hits: Forcibly hitting the quarterback in the head or neck area is strictly prohibited, especially with the helmet, facemask, forearm, or shoulder. This falls under general defenseless player rules.
- Unnecessary Roughness: This is a catch-all term that covers any hit deemed excessive or dangerous. Examples include unnecessarily throwing the quarterback down with excessive force or driving him into the ground. The rules state that they cannot hit at his knees or at his head. They aren’t supposed to drive him into the ground or slam him down.
- Hits to the Throwing Arm/Hand: While not always a penalty, intentional clubbing or striking at the quarterback’s throwing arm or hand after the release is often penalized.
The Referee’s Discretion and Controversy
The enforcement of these rules is often subjective and can be a source of considerable controversy. The speed of the game makes it difficult for referees to make split-second decisions, and fan bases often disagree on whether a penalty was justified. Moreover, players who are running at full speed trying to make a play might accidentally be penalized even when they are not intending to injure anyone. This can lead to the frustration of players and fans alike.
The NFL has continuously adjusted these rules over the years to strike a better balance between player safety and the integrity of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about hitting quarterbacks in the NFL:
1. What is the penalty for hitting a quarterback late?
The penalty for roughing the passer is 15 yards and an automatic first down. In some egregious cases, the player may also be fined or even suspended.
2. Can a defender be flagged for hitting a quarterback too low?
Yes. The “Brady Rule” specifically prohibits hitting a quarterback below the knees, even if the initial contact is higher.
3. Is it illegal to sack a quarterback?
No. Sacking a quarterback is perfectly legal as long as the defender makes contact while the quarterback still has possession of the ball and does not violate any other rules (e.g., hitting him in the head or below the knees). Defenders are allowed to contact a player attempting a forward pass while he still has possession of the ball (e.g., a quarterback sack).
4. What is considered “unnecessary roughness” on a quarterback?
Unnecessary roughness on a quarterback includes any hit deemed excessive or dangerous, such as driving him into the ground after he has thrown the ball, landing on him with all or most of a defender’s weight, or hitting him in the head or neck area.
5. Is it legal to body slam a quarterback?
Generally, no. Body slamming a quarterback is considered unnecessary roughness and is often penalized. They cannot hit at his knees or at his head. They aren’t supposed to drive him into the ground or slam him down.
6. If a quarterback scrambles out of the pocket, does he get less protection?
Yes, quarterbacks outside the pocket are generally afforded slightly less protection than when they are in the pocket. However, they are still protected from late hits, low hits, and hits to the head. If a quarterback is inside the pocket, there can be no foul for a horse-collar tackle. However, once the QB is outside of the pocket, the horse-collar penalty applies.
7. What is the “momentum exception” when hitting a quarterback?
The momentum exception allows a defender to make contact with the quarterback after he has thrown the ball if the defender had already committed to the hit before the release and could not reasonably avoid contact.
8. Can a defender be ejected for hitting a quarterback?
Yes, a defender can be ejected for a particularly egregious hit on a quarterback, especially if it involves helmet-to-helmet contact or is deemed intentional and malicious. According to the NFL’s Use of Helmet Rule Sheet, players may also be ejected as a result of helmet-to-helmet hits.
9. Why are quarterbacks so protected in the NFL?
Quarterbacks are highly protected because they are considered the most valuable players on the team and critical to the game’s entertainment value. The NFL has determined that what fans want to see is quarterbacks throwing touchdown passes. Therefore quarterbacks must be protected because second string QB’s don’t throw as many TDs.
10. What is the “Brady Rule” in the NFL?
The “Brady Rule” prohibits defenders from forcibly hitting a passer in the knee area or below when the passer has one or both feet on the ground, even if the initial contact is above the knee. According to the new “Brady Rule,” hitting a quarterback is no longer allowed below the knees without drawing a penalty.
11. Is it legal to grab a quarterback’s facemask?
No. No player shall grasp and control, twist, turn, push, or pull the facemask of an opponent in any direction. Note: If a player grasps an opponent’s facemask, he must immediately release it. If he does not immediately release it and controls his opponent, it is a foul.
12. Can a quarterback be penalized for throwing the ball away to avoid a sack?
Yes, a quarterback can be penalized for intentional grounding if he throws the ball away to avoid a sack and the ball does not cross the line of scrimmage and there is no eligible receiver in the immediate area.
13. What are some examples of “defenseless player” fouls involving quarterbacks?
Examples of defenseless player fouls involving quarterbacks include forcibly hitting them in the head or neck area, spearing them with the helmet, or launching into them with the shoulder or forearm. forcibly hitting the defenseless player’s head or neck area with the helmet, facemask, forearm, or shoulder, even if the initial contact is lower than the player’s neck, and regardless of whether the defensive player also uses his arms to tackle the defenselessplayer by encircling or grasping him.
14. Are there any rules about how defenders must land on a quarterback?
Yes. Defenders are generally prohibited from landing on a quarterback with all or most of their body weight, as this is considered unnecessary roughness.
15. How often do roughing the passer penalties get called?
The frequency of roughing the passer penalties can vary from season to season, depending on the emphasis placed on the rule by the NFL and the interpretation of the referees. They are a fairly common penalty, though, and often a source of controversy.
Conclusion
The rules surrounding hitting quarterbacks in the NFL are complex and constantly evolving. The goal is to protect quarterbacks while still allowing defenders to play aggressively and make plays. While defenders are allowed to contact a player attempting a forward pass while he still has possession of the ball (e.g., a quarterback sack); however, once the ball is released, defenders are not allowed to make contact with the quarterback unless carried to do so by momentum. Finding the right balance is a challenge, and the debates surrounding these rules will likely continue for years to come.
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