Against the Atlanta Falcons, Tom Brady benefits from a controversial “roughing the passer” call that secures the win for his Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the aftermath, this once again causes a discussion about NFL referees and possible special treatment for the “GOAT”.

Munich – Is Tom Brady getting preferential treatment from NFL referees? Fans who think so got new fodder in week five after the seven-time Super Bowl champion was awarded a flattering “roughing the passer” call that wrecked a late comeback by the Atlanta Falcons.

Referee Jerome Boger explained his decision to reporters after the game, “What I had was the defender grabbed the quarterback while he was still in the pocket and threw him to the ground unnecessarily. That’s what I based my decision on.”

However, he said his decision had nothing to do with the fact that Tua Tagovailoa had last suffered a serious concussion in a similar action. This was what Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles had suspected after the game.

Tristan Wirfs jokes about Tom Brady’s age

Brady’s teammate Tristan Wirfs joked after the game that his quarterback’s age was the reason he would be “favored” in some of the contentious situations. “He’s 45. I think Tom, because of who he is, gets those calls more often than others.” Brady shrugged when asked about the decision, saying, “I don’t throw flags. “

This roughing the passer call on Grady Jarrett vs. Tom Brady pic.twitter.com/DVzmIB0Hsh

– (@sportingnews) October 9, 2022

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith was reticent to criticise the referees after the game and was diplomatic: “I’m not going to get into a discussion. I haven’t re-watched the scene. Lorenzo Carter, Atlanta’s outside linebacker, was more certain: “It looked like football to me. It looked like football. We just played aggressive. “

Controversial decision also with the New England Patriots

The Atlanta Falcons weren’t the only team to digest a controversial decision against them in week five. The New England Patriots, in the person of Mack Wilson, were also penalised for a “roughing the passer” offence that caused some discussion. However, the whistle had no real effect on the final score in a 29-0 loss to the Detroit Lions

THIS was called roughing the passer on Mack Wilson…………………………………….. pic.twitter.com/d4tQxCB9gc

– @ (@FTBeard7) October 9, 2022