NFL Figures React to Questionable Roughing The Passer Call in Dolphins-Chargers Game

Cardinals defensive end JJ Watt pronounced the call "absurd."

It would not be a high-profile NFL game in 2022 without a debate-inducing roughing the passer call.

With 10:53 left in the Dolphins and Chargers' Sunday night tilt at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert dropped back to pass on third-and-nine. Miami linebacker Jaelan Phillips appeared to overpower Chargers tackle Foster Sarell and sack Herbert for a loss of eight.

The officials, however, flagged Phillips for roughing Herbert. The call, in line with similar calls across the league this season, drew condemnation from analysts, players, and viewers on social media.

WHAT THE FRENCH TOAST KINDA ROUGHING THE PASSER CALL WAS THAT?!?!

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 12, 2022

This is NOT ROUGHING THE PASSER! pic.twitter.com/hP0ospIHE3

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 12, 2022

Absurd roughing the passer call.

Absurd.

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 12, 2022

This was just called Roughing the passer.

Just AWFUL. Embarrassing. https://t.co/jt07ZDQdyh

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 12, 2022

If the “roughing the passer” call is on a failed 3rd down before an obvious punt situation.. it should be reviewable.

It’s effectively and actually a turnover.. all turnovers are reviewed.

Boom.. we got a piece of it figured out.

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 12, 2022

Despite the favorable call, Los Angeles's offense stalled and the Chargers punted from their own 41-yard line.