J.J. Watt calls T.J.'s $20K roughing the passer fine 'insanity'
Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher T.J. Watt was fined $20,054 for his sack on Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan in Week 5, which the league reportedly cited as "forcibly hitting in the knee area or below."
T.J.'s brother, Houston Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt, expressed his disbelief after hearing about the fine:
That is insanity. https://t.co/a9r0gZbNMc
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 12, 2018
$20,000 for this?!?!?! https://t.co/9qkTAmjHvg
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 12, 2018
The NFL's new roughing the passer rules have stirred up controversy in 2018, with 50 such flags being thrown through five weeks, according to NFL Penalty Tracker. The league's competition committee has even reportedly grown uncomfortable with the stricter rules.
The Watt brothers are currently tied with Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins for the league lead in sacks with six apiece.