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Defenders in a tight spot

By Mike Reiss
ESPNBoston.com

Monday, October 5, 2009

FOXBOROUGH -- The NFL's increased focus on protecting quarterbacks, which is in the spotlight after Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis' roughing-the-passer rant Sunday at Gillette Stadium, has resulted in more penalties through four weeks of the season. Referees have called 22 roughing-the-passer penalties through Monday night's game between the Packers and Vikings. Compare that with 18 roughing-the-passer penalties through the first four full weeks in 2008. The overall numbers, which were tracked b ...

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