NFL: Matthews' QB hit a case of what not to do

[September 18, 2018]    Packers requested some clarity from the NFL about what linebacker Clay Matthews did wrong on a hit of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, the league gave an answer, and then said it's using that hit as an example of what not to do.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) warms up before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The league announced Monday it would send a training video to every team in the league. Included would be Matthews' hit, which referee Tony Corrente viewed as Matthews lifting and driving Cousins into the turf.

Earlier in the day, Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said Matthews has been doing what the new roughing rules dictated, yet he was called for a roughing penalty for the second game in a row.

"I get what the goal (of player safety) is, and we're all for the goal being achieved, but at the same time, you have to make sure it's not a competitive disadvantage to the pass rusher trying to hit the quarterback," McCarthy said Monday.

The roughing penalty was especially important on Sunday because it wiped out an interception that Cousins threw on the play. He later threw a touchdown pass on the possession in a game that ended in a 29-29 tie.

Sports columnist Mike Wilbon tweeted that the penalty call "ought to be an embarrassment."

"I get what the goal (of player safety) is, and we're all for the goal being achieved, but at the same time, you have to make sure it's not a competitive disadvantage to the pass rusher trying to hit the quarterback," McCarthy said earlier Monday.

--Field Level Media

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