If there’s one thing NFL fans can really agree on in 2026, it’s that quarterbacks are being babied too much.
Yes, the NFL needs to keep its star quarterbacks healthy. And, yes, the rules should probably protect them more than other players. But we’ve gone too far, right?
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Any time a defensive player breaths on a quarterback in the pocket, it feels like a penalty is called. There are way too many rules in place to protect the quarterback at this point. We should scale it back.
NFL refs on field.Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
(Icon Sportswire/Getty Images)
But how do quarterbacks feel about it?
Few NFL quarterbacks have been around the game as long as Joe Flacco. The 41-year-old NFL quarterback, who spent the 2025 season in Cincinnati and Cleveland, sounded off on the state of the game.
Flacco is calling for two controversial penalties to end
Flacco wants to see two controversial penalties end when it comes to how quarterbacks are officiated:
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It should no longer be a penalty when a defensive player falls on a quarterback
It should no longer be a penalty when a defensive player smacks the quarterback in the head in the pocket
“I don’t think it should be roughing when they land on us. Or being slapped on the head is roughing. It affects games in a negative way,” he said.
Well said, Joe.
NFL fans are quickly agreeing with him on social media. It’s easy to see why he’s such a fan favorite.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.