NFL world reacts to controversial roughing-the-passer penalties on 'TNF'

Late in the first half, officials flagged Titans defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons after he took Steelers QB Kenny Pickett down as he released a pass. Simmons was incensed after the call, seemingly as confused as everyone else over what is and isn't roughing the passer.     

Unsurprisingly, the reaction to Simmons' penalty was similar to the one Watt's drew.

While the vast majority of football fans are seemingly on the same page, agreeing that the calls were too ticky-tacky, others took a different approach. Ben Volin of the Boston Globe pointed out that roughly 10 backup QBs will take the field in Week 9, arguing the league needs to protect them at "all costs." 

The NFL found itself in the same situation recently over what constitutes a catch. Unfortunately, years after instituting new rules, a clear definition still evades most of us. Football might be headed down the same road with roughing the passer, as there will undoubtedly be more controversial penalties, called and uncalled, throughout the rest of Week 9. 

You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who isn't in favor of a safer game, especially for quarterbacks. However, common sense has to prevail eventually, doesn't it?