Title: Jets Coach Saleh Proven Right as NFL Confirms Roughing-the-Passer Foul Should Not Have Been Called
Introduction:
In a recent turn of events, Jets coach Robert Saleh’s assertions about a roughing-the-passer penalty called on defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers have been validated by the NFL. The league has officially confirmed that the crucial foul in Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys was erroneously called, supporting Saleh’s claim that the hit was legal. Despite the league’s acknowledgment, the penalty had significant consequences for the Jets, allowing the Cowboys to score a touchdown instead of settling for a field goal.
Details:
According to a report by the New York Post’s Brian Costello, the NFL has informed the Jets that the roughing-the-passer call against Franklin-Myers should not have been made. Coach Saleh, during his press conference, had expressed frustration over the penalty, emphasizing that the hit was well within the bounds of the rules. Saleh’s argument was validated when the league agreed that the hit was legal.
However, the confirmation comes too late to overturn the impact of the foul on the game’s outcome. The penalty occurred on a crucial third-down play from the Jets’ 11-yard line. With Dallas already leading 10-7, the flag awarded the Cowboys a fresh set of downs at the five-yard line, ultimately leading to a touchdown.
One of the main issues with the roughing-the-passer rule is the “when in doubt” standard outlined in the rulebook. Referees are instructed to err on the side of caution and throw the flag if they have any uncertainty about the legality of a hit. This particular case highlights the flaw in the rule, as Franklin-Myers’ tackle, although clean, evoked enough doubt in the officials’ minds to warrant a penalty.
The solution to preventing similar incidents, where legal hits are erroneously flagged, lies in removing the “when in doubt” standard. Until the league addresses this issue, there will inevitably be moments when penalties are unfairly called due to officials’ adherence to the rulebook’s guidelines.
Conclusion:
The confirmation from the NFL that the roughing-the-passer call on John Franklin-Myers should not have been made supports Jets coach Robert Saleh’s argument about the legality of the hit. However, the penalty had a significant impact on the game, allowing the Dallas Cowboys to score a touchdown instead of settling for a field goal. The incident highlights the need to reconsider the “when in doubt” standard to prevent unjust penalties in the future.