Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr was not penalized last season when he hit Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers after Rodgers delivered a pass while out of the pocket, but something similar this year would have a different result.
That was the word from NFL referee Pete Morelli on Thursday. Morelli was in Minnesota to talk to the Vikings about this year’s rules changes, including enhanced protections for defenseless players. Morelli also spoke to reporters and told them that Rodgers, who broke his collarbone on the play, would qualify under that change.
“Any time a quarterback’s in a defenseless position,” Morelli said, via Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.