NFLSpice News: NFL fans are once again questioning the consistency of roughing the passer calls after a hit during the Washington Commanders-Indianapolis Colts game went without a penalty, just days after Patrick Mahomes received a 15-yard roughing the passer call in a similarly debated play.

The controversy began last Sunday when Mahomes was hit as he released the ball during the Kansas City Chiefs' win over the Miami Dolphins. The defender appeared to release Mahomes before he landed, prompting criticism of the decision to throw a flag.

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Rate the Refs questioned the call in a post on X, arguing that the defender did not make contact with Mahomes' head or neck and appeared to make an effort to avoid landing on him with full body weight. 

The decision quickly drew reactions from NFL fans and former players.

Former NFL star Richard Sherman questioned what more a defender could have done to avoid the penalty other than not attempting to make the play. Former quarterback Robert Griffin III also asked football fans whether they believed the play should have been called roughing the passer.

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A Similar Hit Creates Another Debate

The discussion resurfaced Sunday when a similar hit occurred during the Commanders-Colts matchup, but officials did not throw a roughing the passer flag.

That immediately led some fans to compare the two plays and question whether the league is applying the rule consistently.

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One fan argued that the difference appeared to be the identity of the quarterback, sarcastically suggesting the hit was not called because the passer was not Mahomes. Another post criticized what the user described as inconsistency in how quarterbacks are protected.

The reaction continued on social media, with another fan arguing that the play was legal and therefore should not have resulted in a penalty.

A separate reaction focused on the need for greater consistency and clearer communication around such calls. 

Why the Calls Are Drawing Attention

The two plays have given NFL fans another reason to debate how roughing the passer penalties are being enforced. The central issue is not simply whether quarterbacks should receive protection, but whether similar hits are being judged by the same standard.

The reaction has been particularly strong because both plays involved quarterbacks being hit around the time they released the football, while producing different officiating outcomes.

For fans watching the league, the question is straightforward: if two plays are similar, should they not receive similar treatment from officials?

The latest debate adds to the ongoing frustration among some NFL fans who want greater consistency in how quarterback protection rules are enforced.