There’s something about controversial penalties against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football this season.
While there were a number of questionable calls in this game, there was one in particular that was especially baffling.
Bears defensive back Teez Tabor made a heck of a tackle on Vikings running back Dalvin Cook on third-and-17 to force a punt. Well, that’s what should’ve happened. Instead, Tabor was flagged for a low block, which gave Minnesota 15 yards and an automatic first down.
The call left many NFL fans confused and frustrated at the penalty, as Tabor appeared to be flagged for simply playing defense.
The NFL addressed that penalty, where they essentially doubled down that it was the right call:
By rule, a player cannot block an opposing player low in an attempt to go through that opposing player to make a tackle on a runner. This rule has been expanded this year to any area outside of the tight end box.
By rule, a player cannot block an opposing player low in an attempt to go through that opposing player to make a tackle on a runner. This rule has been expanded this year to any area outside of the the tight end box. #MINvsCHI pic.twitter.com/FzBFltO8Xp
— NFL Officiating (@NFLOfficiating) December 21, 2021
But there’s an argument to be made that this call is bogus considering, first off, defenders don’t block, they tackle. Not to mention, Tabor only hit Cook, the ballcarrier, in this instance.
