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As Flags Fly, the N.F.L. Is Blasted for a ‘Left-Wing’ Tackling Policy

Call it the law of unintended consequences, run amok.

The N.F.L., under fire for not doing enough to protect players from concussions and other serious injuries, tightened its rules this off-season for roughing the passer.

But its high-minded intentions have produced an unwelcome result: Heaps of criticism from some of its star players, past and present, confusion among fans, and normally friendly television announcers expressing exasperation.

And it’s only Week 3.

During Monday night’s game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers, J.J. Watt, the star defensive end on the Houston Texans, said on Twitter that roughing-the-passer penalties are “out of control” this season.