Falcons' Grady Jarrett: Controversial penalty 'cost us an opportunity to go win the game'

Two days later, the NFL remains abuzz over the controversial roughing the passer penalty called on Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett against Tom Brady on Sunday. 

Jarrett declined to speak about the flag shortly after the game, a 21-15 loss to Tampa Bay, but discussed it Tuesday during an appearance on Atlanta radio station 680 The Fan. 

"I'm not saying that it cost us the game, but it cost us an opportunity to go win the game," Jarrett said about the penalty, according to Ashton Edmunds of the Falcons' website. "If it's costing people games, it's going to cost people's livelihoods, it's costing people opportunity.

Added Jarrett: "In full speed, it makes it look more malicious than it really is."

The roughing the passer call made against Jarrett may have been overshadowed during the "Monday Night Football" game between the Chiefs and Raiders. In the first half, Kansas City defensive lineman Chris Jones was penalized for what appeared to be a legal hit on Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. 

"When you do it right, I don't believe you should be punished for it," Jarrett said about defensive players sacking QBs.

Added Jarrett: "Hopefully, something can come from this and a change can happen, but at the end of the day, I would hope that some conversation would be had."

Jarrett may get his wish.

The NFL reportedly plans to discuss penalties regarding hits on quarterbacks as soon as next week, when league owners meet in New York. However, Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper noted that "no changes are expected to the rules during the 2022 season."