NFL defenders have had to break some habits this season when hitting quarterbacks, and now that they’ve seen yellow hankies being thrown around for roughing the passer, they’re worried a crucial play in a tight game could be affected by an untimely penalty.

That’s what happened to Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Breeland Speaks on Sunday night. With the Chiefs up 33-30 in the fourth quarter, Tom Brady dropped back at the Kansas City 4-yard line and Speaks came in to wrap him up. Then, for some reason, he let go as Brady ran it in for a touchdown:

#Chiefs LB Breeland Speaks appears to let go of #Patriots QB Tom Brady, before the 41-year-old QB decides to tuck it and run for a 4-yard TD pic.twitter.com/JKjeZ7jfxQ — Kevin Boilard (@247KevinBoilard) October 15, 2018

When asked if he was thinking about the new rules as he let go, Speaks confirmed he was:

“I thought the ball was gone … and I ain’t taking him to the ground.”

It makes sense, but now he knows that’s the risk a would-be tackler needs to take in that situation.