NFL stands by roughing the passer penalty against Packers' Matthews
The NFL said Monday it will use the play for which Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews was assessed a roughing the passer penalty in a teaching tape that will be sent to teams, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky.
Matthews' hit on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins in the fourth quarter of the 29-29 tie erased a potential interception in the final minutes of regulation, which would have likely sealed a Packers victory.
Referee Tony Corrente said a foul was called because Matthews "picked the quarterback up and drove him into the ground," according to Demovsky.
Do not hit quarterbacks high. Do not hit quarterbacks low. Do not hit them in the midriff. Roughing the passer on Clay Matthews. pic.twitter.com/pFyMnXxqxG
— Ollie Connolly (@OllieConnolly) September 16, 2018
Matthews voiced his frustration over the costly penalty after the game.
"I mean, I don't know even know where to start to be completely honest with you," Matthews said, according to Nick Shook of Around The NFL. "I have so many emotions running through as far as just what a terrible call it was. But at the same time, I don't know what else to do. I mean, I don't know. You let me know.
"Tell me: Did I put pressure on him? I thought I hit him within his waist, his chest. I got my head across, put my hands down. To call it at that point of the game is just unbelievable. Last week, OK, shame on me. But this week, that's unbelievable."
A league source told Demovsky that the "technique of grabbing the passer from behind the leg or legs, scooping and pulling in an upward motion, is a foul." The NFL's senior vice president of officiating, Al Riveron, said the ruling has existed for years.
The Packers lead the league with four roughing the passer penalties through two games.