Is there an "in the grasp" rule for sacking quarterbacks in the NFL anymore?

Question

Yesterday, during the Titans-Giants game, Mathias Kiwanuka had Vince Young wrapped up, with two arms around him, and was driving Young backwards.
In order to avoid a "roughing the passer" call, and in thinking Young threw the ball, Kiwinuka let Young go.
And he went! 20 yards to set up the tying TD and ultimately went on to win the game.
I think the roughing the passer thing is a little out of control, but wasnt Young "in the grasp"?? How could the ref let that one go if the rule still exists??

PS >>> AMEN, Michael D

Answer 1

well next time hopefully kiwi bashes the qb to the ground..and and injury occurs..cause the nfl is protecting the qbs too much..if you want to protect them, fine, but the ref shouldve blown the whistle to call the play dead since kiwi had him held tight for at least 3 seconds

Answer 2

The rule IS still there. To one CLAIMING it isn't because Ben, he wasn't in the grasp if he could still make the throw now was he? The tacler DIDN'T let him go. So he wasn't in the grasp. With the Titans game I didn't see it to comment. Yeah the thing is you have to wait until the whistle blows and just hold them until then I guess. You can never be sure with the refs when it comes to calls like that.

Answer 3

In the grasp applies to having a player's feet and momentum stopped. Vince was still RUNNING while in Kiwanuka's grasp and Kiwanuka GAVE UP instead of WRAPPING UP.

Answer 4

No, that rule is long gone. Ben Rothlisburger was in the end zone yesterday, in someones arms and let one fly. It was incomplete, but had they called him down it would have been a safety.

Answer 5

didnt see the play, but the player is responsible for whatever he does...if in doubt slam him i say. "In the grasp" is of course a judgement call, if the qb gets out of it he was obviously not in the control of the tackler.