The Green Bay Packers were on the cusp of a 2-0 start to the 2018 NFL season until a roughing the passer penalty by linebacker Clay Matthews allowed the Minnesota Vikings to end things with a tie. Not surprisingly, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was not happy about the call.

There has been plenty of controversy regarding the unrealistic criteria for the new rule. Rodgers feels that there was nothing more Matthews could have done in that situation, via Jason Owens of Yahoo Sports.

“There’s a goal to limit these hits,” Rodgers said. “But they’re pretty obvious when you see them. You know, a guy picking somebody up — full weight on them. What do you say to Clay? His head is out of it. His hand is on the ground. That’s not roughing the passer.”

There is indeed plenty of truth to Rodgers' comments. Matthews was already in the process of sacking quarterback Kirk Cousins when he released the ball. However, his inability to keep himself from landing on Cousins resulted in the flag.

Regardless, it is still a bit ironic for Rodgers to criticize the call. The new rule was inspired by the hit he took from linebacker Anthony Barr last season which resulted in him missing a good chunk of the year with a fractured collarbone.

The NFL has since taken action to try and prevent any such instance moving forward, however, it has just resulted in more frustration around the league from fans and players alike. Regardless, it will be interesting to see the league's response now that it has received backlash from the very player it was trying to protect.