Sports has been a topic of controversy lately, whether it be the recent Ronaldo scandal, or the NFL roughing the passer scandals. But throughout the first 4 weeks of the 2018 NFL season, technology has played a rather large role on how games have been decided. 1. Vikings vs Packers In what was a close pitched battle between the 2 kings of the NFC North, The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers was a closer game than many would have imagined. The final score ending in overtime, In which Rookie Place Kicker and 5th round draft pick, Daniel Carlson missed a chip shot field goal ending the contest in a tie 29-29. What would prove to be a vital point in the game was late in the 4th quarter with 1:45 remaining, 1st and 10 from the Vikings 25 yard line down by 8 in the ball game. Kirk Cousins took the snap, fielded the rush, fired deep down field intended his received Coley, and was picked off by the Undercutting Corner back Jaire Alexander. However after review, it was revealed that the newly established roughing the passer penalty would take effect, as Clay Matthews clearly lowered the shoulder and put his weight on the Quarterback. The new rule allowed Minnesota to recapture a fresh set of downs and tie the game moments later. You can see the video down below Video review by the referees and the league in the offseason established the new rule to limit injuries to their prized quarterbacks. However, the precautionary penalty has since yielded harsh criticism as it as made bringing down a quarterback that much tougher. Matthews was clearly distraught in his post game interview, questioning how he should hit the quarterback or even get a sack with the new rule in Place. Over the last few weeks roughing the passer penalties have spiked compared to penalties in recent years. In week 4 of the NFL season, a league record 5 flags were called, compared to only 11 roughing the passer penalties being called in the entirety of last season. A major reason many calls have taken place is the availability to review possible roughing penalties back on video. Previously, penalties called on field could not be looked at on review, however since the league's most recent target on quarterback safety calls, roughing penalties are able to be reviewed and awarded to a player even if the flag was not originally called on the play. Plain and Simple, The Roughing the Passer Penalty and controversy is not going away any time soon, and you can give technology a thanks for that.