Clay Matthews: Protecting Quarterbacks Has Gotten Out of Control

In the fourth quarter versus the Vikings, Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander picked off Kirk Cousins for a game-clinching interception.

Or so he thought.

Inexplicably, the referees flagged Alexander’s teammate, Clay Matthews, for roughing the passer for hitting Cousins on the play a moment after he released the ill-fated pass.

…. @NFL

RT if you think this is NOT a penalty. pic.twitter.com/3UEbHrUpw3

— GBP Daily (@GBPdaily) September 16, 2018

As a result of the penalty, Minnesota’s drive was extended and they went on to tie the score to force overtime. The game ended eventually in a tie after missed field goals all around —including a chip shot from Daniel Carlson that would have won Minnesota the game.

Daniel Carlson chutou esse Field Goal para fora, o que decretou o empate entre Vikings e Packers! #NFLBrasil #MINvsGB pic.twitter.com/fVPW4vhdyQ

— NFL Brasil (@NFLBrasil) September 16, 2018

But Matthews seems to feel the game was swung earlier. The linebacker ripped into the referees for making what even Cousins referred to as a “generous” call.

“I have so many emotions running through as far as what a terrible call it was,” Matthews said. “At the same time, I don’t know what else to do. I don’t know. You let me know. You tell me. Did I put pressure on him? I thought I hit him within his waist to chest, I got my head across, put my hands down. To call it at that point in the game is unbelievable.

“I don’t know. It’s a difficult call to call,” he continued. “You see how it changed the game. I know there’s an emphasis on protecting quarterbacks, but it’s gotten out of control. I don’t know what else to do. It’s frustrating because Jaire’s interception, that’s game [over], right? Instead, they go down and score, overtime, this and that.”