PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 02: Robert Griffin III #3 of the Baltimore Ravens tries to evade a sack from Mike Hilton #28 and Tyson Alualu #94 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Heinz Field on December 02, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Not even the football gods could save the Pittsburgh Steelers from this call against Robert Griffin III.
In a game where everything is on the line, the Baltimore Ravens are short-handed under center. With Lamar Jackson on the COVID-19, the team turned to Robert Griffin III for hope he could pick up the victory over the red hot Pittsburgh Steelers.
By this point, everyone knows about the multiple leg injuries suffered from RGIII over his career, turning him from the next great quarterback project into a decent backup. However, while the NFL is looking out for the safety of all players, there’s no way this should have been a penalty on the Steelers front seven.
During the second half, Griffin would take a shot from both Cam Heyward and Bud Dupree after looking for his receiver. Both players clearly go for the middle of the chest, slowing down as Griffin goes to the ground. Instead, the referee called it a roughing the passer play, granting 15 yards to the Ravens and a fresh set of downs.
In what world is that a roughing the passer call? More importantly, in what universe does a referee think that football is touch and every is made of pillows?
Poor showing by the refs
Pressure from Pittsburgh’s front seven has been essential all night on the Ravens’ front line. Entering the final 15 minutes of action, the Steelers had tallied three sacks and nine total pressures on Griffin.
It’s a poor offensive showing from both sides, but the Steel Curtain defense is alive and well. Still, who believes for one second that roughing the passer call is exactly that?