On Sunday, Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry was called for a pass interference penalty after he pulled the jersey of an opposing player in the Eagles game. The penalty cost the Panthers 15 yards and gave the Eagles a first down.
Bradberry was defending Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery on the play. As Jeffery ran his route, Bradberry grabbed his jersey and pulled him back. The officials immediately called a penalty, and Bradberry was visibly frustrated with the call.
After the game, Bradberry cited the penalty as a key factor in the Panthers’ loss. He said that it was a bad call and that he didn’t think he should have been penalized. He also said that he felt like he was just playing defense and that he was trying to make a play on the ball.
The NFL rulebook states that pass interference occurs when a defender “substantially hinders an eligible receiver’s opportunity to catch a pass.” While Bradberry may have been trying to make a play on the ball, his actions were deemed to be a violation of this rule.
The penalty was costly for the Panthers, as it gave the Eagles a first down and allowed them to continue their drive. Ultimately, the Eagles scored a touchdown on the drive, which gave them a lead they would not relinquish.
Pass interference penalties are often controversial, and this one was no different. While Bradberry may have had good intentions, his actions were deemed to be a violation of the NFL rulebook. As such, he was penalized and it cost his team dearly in the game.