In recent years, the NFL has put a laundry list of rules in place with the sole intention of protecting the quarterback.

Referee Carl Cheffers and his officiating crew failed in that mission during Sunday’s game between the Seahawks and Steelers.

In the second half, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson scrambled to avoid the rush and was able to get off a pass near the Steelers sideline. Yet, Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree was allowed to get in a free shot on Wilson’s head.

And the refs completely missed it.

Dupree came in late and went high on the helmet-to-helmet hit. There was no penalty called on the play, and there really wasn’t an excuse for missing such an obvious foul. A case could have even been made to eject Dupree for that hit.

Wilson would remain in the game and respond with a touchdown pass to D.K. Metcalf three plays later.

The Seahawks went on to win, 28-26.