Packers Seek Clarity on Roughing-the-Passer Penalties
Green Bay leads the league in roughing-the-passer calls after recent officiating decisions.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football
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The Green Bay Packers lead the NFL with six roughing-the-passer penalties this season. Head coach Matt LaFleur intends to send game film to the league office to request interpretations of the calls.
Why it matters
LaFleur is seeking consistency and equity in officiating after his team received three such penalties in a recent victory. He wants to ensure that rules regarding hits to the quarterback are being applied fairly to both teams.
The Packers lead the league with 6 total roughing-the-passer penalties compared to the second-highest total of 4. Conversely, Green Bay opponents have recorded zero such penalties despite 39 total hits on quarterback Jordan Love.
The players
Matt LaFleur
He serves as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers and is responsible for managing the team's coaching staff and game strategies.
Jordan Love
He is the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers who has sustained 39 hits this season without drawing a roughing-the-passer call.
Lukas Van Ness
He is a defensive player for the Green Bay Packers who was assessed a roughing-the-passer penalty against the Dallas Cowboys.
Karl Brooks
He is a defensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers who received a roughing-the-passer penalty during the recent game.
Evan Williams
He is a defensive player for the Green Bay Packers who was penalized for roughing the passer against the Dallas Cowboys.
The details
During the 23-13 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Lukas Van Ness, Karl Brooks, and Evan Williams were each flagged for roughing the passer. The team is now using game footage to educate players on league rules while pushing for clearer communication from officials.
Timeline
October 18, 2026: Packers defeated Cowboys and received three roughing penalties.
Week of October 19, 2026: Micah Parsons will not practice.
Season Trajectory
These officiating concerns come as the Packers navigate a competitive season that has already seen the team adjust its roster and personnel. The team's ability to navigate these specific penalty calls could impact game outcomes and the overall defensive standing for the remainder of the schedule.
The Packers lead the league in roughing-the-passer penalties, a trend that currently differentiates them from the rest of the NFL. Managing these defensive hits will be a primary focus for the coaching staff to avoid further yardage losses during future matchups.
The takeaway
Team leadership is proactively engaging with league officials to ensure that quarterback protection rules are applied with consistency. Players are meanwhile utilizing internal video reviews to adjust their technique and reduce the likelihood of drawing additional flags.
Further reading
For more information on team updates, visit Green Bay Football.
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