Tom Brady, the recently retired NFL quarterback, has voiced his opinion on the controversial roughing the passer penalties, suggesting that defensive players are not being treated fairly. During the Green Bay Packers-Detroit Lions game on Sunday, Brady, now a broadcaster for FOX Sports, expressed his dissatisfaction with several calls.
In his #AskTom segment, Brady argued that defensive players need a certain level of aggressiveness to perform their jobs effectively. He stated that the current interpretation of the rules is too strict, and quarterbacks should be more accountable for hits they sustain, especially when they hold onto the ball longer than necessary. "The faster they get that ball out of their hands, the less likely they are to get hit," Brady said. "But if they want to hold the ball, part of the understanding is that you're gonna get hit."
One specific penalty that drew Brady's ire was the roughing the passer call on Packers defensive tackle Karl Brooks for his hit on Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Brady contended that it was a "bang-bang play" and that Brooks "rolls off his body" after Goff had thrown the ball, describing it as a good play by the defender rather than roughing.
FOX Sports NFL rules analyst Dean Blandino concurred with Brady's assessment, stating that Brooks' hit "wasn't late." The penalty on Brooks extended the Lions' drive, allowing them to gain territory and eventually kick the game-winning field goal as time expired.
Brady acknowledged the irony of his current stance, noting that it is easier to criticize officiating from the broadcast booth now that he is no longer an active player. "I'm sitting up in that booth. It's much easier for me to say it now that I'm sitting up in the booth," he admitted. "But that's what my job is. I'm a broadcaster now, right? I have these types of opinions."
Beyond the roughing the passer calls, Brady also touched on a moment during the broadcast where he expressed surprise at the Lions' decision to potentially pass on fourth down deep in their own territory. He admitted to sometimes forgetting he is being broadcast to millions and questioning the strategic decisions he witnesses on the field when not privy to coaching communications.