EAGAN, Minn. -- If the hit Anthony Barr laid on Aaron Rodgers last season -- which broke the Green Bay quarterback's collarbone -- took place this season, it would be deemed a penalty.
According to NFL official Pete Morelli, who explained the league's rule changes to a group of Twin Cities media on Thursday, Barr's hit would fall under a point of emphasis the NFL has instituted for 2018. It would be a 15-yard penalty for roughing the passer.
Rule 12 in the NFL's 2018 rule book details player conduct. Under Article 9, which explains the rules around roughing the passer, the manner in which a quarterback in a defenseless position (which is just after he's completed throwing a pass) is tackled is the point of emphasis.