NFL not changing rule on roughing passer, defenders falling

The NFL will not change its rule regarding roughing the passer and defenders falling on quarterbacks with all or most of their body weight.

Troy Vincent, the league's executive vice president of football operations, announced that the decision was made during a conference call with the league's competition committee Wednesday night.

Vincent said the committee reviewed video from the 2017 and 2018 seasons but decided not to make any changes. Instead, the committee offered what it called a clarification.

"In reiterating its position on quarterback protection, the committee determined there would be no changes to the point of emphasis approved this spring or to the rule, of which the body weight provision has been in place since 1995," Vincent said in a statement. "To ensure consistency in officiating the rule, the committee clarified techniques that constitute a foul. Video feedback will continue to be provided throughout the season to coaches, players, and officials illustrating clear examples of permissible and impermissible contact on the quarterback."

The NFL additionally released a video that shows four examples of contact that is allowed and four examples of contact that isn't allowed.

Included in the clips of impermissible contact is Minnesota linebacker Anthony Barr's hit on Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers from 2017 -- which broke Rodgers' collarbone -- as well as a hit by New Orleans defensive lineman David Onyemata on Tampa Bay quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in this season's opening week.

The video did not include two hits by Packers linebacker Clay Matthews that have been widely discussed.