Jalen Ramsey Late Hit Caleb Williams Controversy
CBS Sports
Caleb Williams got absolutely leveled by Jalen Ramsey while trying to run out of bounds. The hit, which took place in the field of play, reignited an NFL rules controversy that also involves Patrick Mahomes.
At what point is a quarterback giving himself up?
This has been a problem in the NFL for years. These kinds of flags are subjective, not objective.
Caleb Williams got rocked.
The play in question took place during the second quarter of Sunday’s game between the Steelers and Bears. Williams kept the ball on a designed quarterback run to the outside.
It was wide open.
Chicago’s offensive line paved the way for Caleb Williams to pick up a first downn. However, he took his sweet time getting out of bounds after the big gain and took a shot from Jalen Ramsey near the sideline.
The Bears and their fans took issue with the hit but the officials did not throw a flag.
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Both of Williams’ feet were still in bounds when Ramsey laid the lumber. No late hit. Keep it moving.
Patrick Mahomes already set this precedent.
Whether you like it or not, defensive backs have to make contact with a quarterback so long as he is still in bounds. It is the same principle as “play to the whistle.”
Otherwise, they run the risk of allowing a quarterback to turn back up field and keep running.
Patrick Mahomes started to run out of bounds during a game last season. San Francisco’s defense let up to avoid a late hit penalty. And then the two-time MVP cut back into the field of play and kept running.
If the 49ers had made that hit on the sideline, Mahomes wouldn’t’ve been able to keep going. But they were scared to draw a flag.
Ramsey took the opposite approach. Williams was still in bounds so he clocked him. That way there is no concern about a fake. The play is over once Ramsey shoves him to the sideline.
Maybe the referees would’ve thrown a flag if it was Mahomes and not Williams. Either way, it was a clean hit!
Grayson Weir BroBible editor avatar
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