NFL Legend J.J. Watt Takes Issue With Refs’ Controversial Decision to Protect Justin Herbert

Pass rushers tend to stick together, so it is no surprise that five-time All-Pro J.J. Watt is empathizing with a fellow defensive end. While some might call it bias, Watt’s criticism of a roughing the passer flag thrown in favor of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert during Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars seems entirely justified.

Why Did a Seemingly Clean Hit on Justin Herbert Draw a Flag?

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was under constant pressure in Sunday’s loss in Jacksonville, a familiar story for his 2025-26 season. But even as the Jaguars’ defensive front consistently collapsed the pocket, they could not escape a questionable penalty.

On one play, defensive end B.J. Green II was on the verge of his first career sack, but instead, the undrafted rookie was flagged for colliding with Herbert too violently. Replays showed Green did not hit Herbert in the head, nor did he land on top of the quarterback with his full body weight, two actions that would have clearly warranted a penalty.

Despite the clean nature of the tackle, Green was flagged for roughing the passer anyway, and the Chargers were granted a first down. The call earned disdain from the outspoken Watt, who quickly voiced his opinion on social media.

“Didn’t hit high. Didn’t hit low. Didn’t hit with head. Didn’t land body weight on him,” Watt wrote in a post on X. “Looks like he might actually brace the fall with his right arm. It’s hard enough to get to the QB as it is, let’s not take away clean sacks from guys. This is still football…”

Didn’t hit high.
Didn’t hit low.
Didn’t hit with head.
Didn’t land body weight on him.

Looks like he might actually brace the fall with his right arm.

It’s hard enough to get to the QB as it is,
let’s not take away clean sacks from guys.

This is still football… https://t.co/DAhPS12eNW

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) November 17, 2025

Very few quarterbacks can find sustained success while missing both of their bookend tackles. For the Chargers, the situation is dire, as starters Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are both on the injured reserve list. Their absences are a primary reason why general manager Joe Hortiz traded for Trevor Penning at the deadline.

The problems have been reflected in the statistics, as Herbert has taken 35 sacks through the Chargers’ 11 games this season. Only Drake Maye of the New England Patriots and Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans have been sacked more often.

Against a stifling Jaguars defense on Sunday, matters only worsened. Herbert was sacked twice while completing just 10 of his 18 pass attempts for 81 yards and an interception. He was eventually pulled from the game in favor of backup Trey Lance once the Chargers fell too far behind with no comeback in sight.

This struggle is also reflected in advanced metrics. According to PFSN’s QB Impact score, Herbert’s 79.8 figure is flirting with mediocrity. That number barely edges out Marcus Mariota, who has been starting in place of an injured Jayden Daniels for the Washington Commanders.