WATCH: Controversial penalty against Green Bay takes away interception
The Green Bay Packers had a big interception taken away by a controversial roughing the passer penalty called against linebacker Za’Darius Smith. Trailing by 21, the interception would have set up the Packers with good field position entering the fourth quarter.
Green Bay called for controversial penalty late
On third-and-nine just outside of the red zone, the New Orleans Saints had quarterback Jameis Winston drop back to pass late in the third quarter. Smith blew right by the right guard blocking him and got to Winston in a hurry.
With pressure in his face, Winston threw a pass down the center of the field to the endzone that was tipped and intercepted by Darnell Savage. Savage came out of the endzone with blockers and returned the ball just beyond the 30-yard line.
On the play Smith was called for roughing the passer, nullifying the big play and putting the Saints near the goal line. New Orleans would score a touchdown just two plays later, putting their lead at 31-3 in a disappointing game for the Packers.
During the game, broadcasters Troy Aikman and Joe Buck criticized the penalty call, stating that Smith’s tackle was exactly what the league wants from players tackling the quarterback. On the tackle he led with his shoulder instead of the head, wrapped up cleanly and did not follow through to the ground.
The impact on replay looks to be heavy however, with Winston’s head whipping backwards on the hit. According to the broadcast team, the hit was clean and confusing as to what the penalty was called for.
A rough debut for Rodgers
Following a memorable offseason for the veteran Green Bay quarterback, expectations were high for an offense built around championship aspirations. Rodgers and the Packers have finished two straight 13-3 seasons and NFC championship game appearances coming into the 2021 season that may be Rodgers’ final one with the Packers.
Unfortunately, the Saints defense gave the Packers offense significant problems through three quarters on Sunday. Following the roughing the passer penalty and Winston’s touchdown pass, Rodgers’ passer rating for the day was a low 32.8 compared to Winston’s 119.1.
Rodgers had 13 completions on 25 passing attempts for 124 yards through three quarters. He also had two interceptions and zero touchdowns, as his offense only managed a field goal when the fourth quarter began.