By Moses Joshua 
Linebacker Jack Campbell Under Review After Roughing the Passer Penalty on J.J. McCarthy Sparks Debate Among Fans and Analysts
The Detroit Lions’ hard-fought loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday could come with added consequences for their defensive unit. Rising linebacker Jack Campbell is now under NFL review for a hit on Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, a play that drew a roughing the passer penalty and has reignited discussion around the league’s protection rules for quarterbacks.
Campbell Under the Microscope After Controversial Hit
Late in the first half, McCarthy dropped back on a 1st-and-10 play from Minnesota’s 26-yard line when Campbell came barreling through the pocket. As McCarthy released the ball to tight end T.J. Hockenson, Campbell delivered a forceful hit that the officials deemed “unwarranted by the circumstances.”
According to the NFL rulebook, referees may call a personal foul if a pass rusher “clearly should have known that the ball had already left the passer’s hand before contact was made.” Campbell’s timing left little room for doubt in the officials’ minds, resulting in a 15-yard penalty that helped extend a crucial Vikings drive.
The league automatically reviews all roughing the passer penalties for potential fines, meaning Campbell could face a $17,389 penalty when the NFL announces its weekly discipline updates on Saturday.
Tom Brady Weighs In: “You Reward the Offense 15 Yards”
The call sparked immediate controversy during the Fox broadcast, with former NFL quarterback Tom Brady voicing his frustration over the rule itself rather than the officials’ interpretation.
«“The challenge I don’t like about it is you take such a good defensive play and a bad offensive play by not picking up the pressure, and you reward the offense 15 yards,” Brady said.»
While Campbell’s hit didn’t appear malicious, it came at a pivotal moment. The extended drive allowed the Vikings to drain valuable time and take a lead into halftime — a turning point that proved costly for Detroit.
Lions Still Among NFC North Favorites — But Margin Narrows
The Vikings’ 27–24 upset over the Lions has tightened the NFC North race. With all four teams within striking distance, the division is suddenly wide open heading into Week 10.
According to The Athletic’s playoff predictor, Detroit still holds a 75% chance of making the postseason and a 34% chance of winning the division, but the Vikings’ win has boosted their playoff hopes from 5% to 20%. The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers also remain firmly in contention, ensuring the NFC North battle could come down to the final weeks.
As for Campbell, his potential fine might not impact his status on the field, but it underscores the delicate balance defenders now face — playing fast and physical while avoiding costly penalties in an increasingly quarterback-protective NFL.