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The Baltimore Ravens squeaked out a much-needed 27-19 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, improving to 4-5 and moving to 2-0 since star quarterback Lamar Jackson’s return from a hamstring injury. However, one of the key storylines from the game was a highly controversial sack on Jackson. Vikings defender Dallas Turner recorded the takedown, but the play quickly drew a flag after officials ruled that Turner had landed with his full body weight on the quarterback. As expected, the call sparked frustration among fans and former NFL legend and current Fox Sports analyst Michael Strahan didn’t hold back his thoughts on the situation. The former star pass-rusher voiced his displeasure with the call during halftime, arguing that quarterbacks are being “coddled” far too much compared to how the game was played during his era. “That was a bad call,” Strahan said. “You know they talk about getting to the side and taking your weight off the quarterback—it’s impossible in the flow of the game. He’s just trying to make a play! At what point are we gonna realize quarterbacks play football too? We’re all playing football!” More NFL: Rob Gronkowski Shares Major Patriots News Before Buccaneers Game More NFL: Giants QB Jaxson Dart Achieves All-Time NFL History vs Bears NFL fans had strong reactions to Strahan's comments on social media. "Lol literally textbook what you are NOT supposed to do. Pick up and drove to ground and landed on him with full weight. Also…it’s not like anyone else getting tackled…because they aren’t standing straight up and still….but go ahead Mike," a fan said. Someone else added: "I get it, but it was literally textbook of what you CAN'T do to a QB." Another person wrote: "Exactly thank you Michael I'm an old school Lb from the 80s and growing up watching the 70s football I tell people kickers get hit more than the QB these days." "Refs calling roughing on sacks will never not be insane," one more fan commented. The refs have been fairly consistent in calling penalties on defenders for landing with their full weight on quarterbacks over the past several seasons. However, it remains one of the most controversial rules in football, as it continues to spark debate about what defenders can and cannot do. Each year, the line seems to shift, making it increasingly difficult to play defense in today’s NFL.
