The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

Watching the Saints game last night, my wife asked me a question I didn't know the answer to. They threw a backwards pass to Moore who then got smashed as he threw an incomplete pass.

She asked, if Moore got hit late, would they call roughing the passer even though the passer wasn't lined up as QB? Anyone know?

Technically they should, but I doubt it would happen, just because it's not a precious QB. They might call unnecessary roughness if the hit was really late, though.

Yes, they can make that call which is why the penalty is called roughing the passer and not roughing the QB. Halfback pass, double pass to a flanker, punter, place kicker it doesn't matter who throws the ball, if they are hit late the call would be roughing the passer. I've never seen it in a Pro game, but I've seen college games where it was called. Hope this helps.