If you felt that NFL officials were throwing more flags next year, then your instincts were right. The regular season saw penalties rise to 13.88 per match, slightly higher than the 2020 season (13.14) though still far below the levels of 2018 (15.87) and 2019 (16.17).
This is the longer-term context to watch. this year’s postseason games. It would not surprise us to see many penalty-filled matches. We’ll be spending the next four week focusing on the performance and coaching of the players and not on the fouls they were called.
There are many rules-based twists, turns and ways to look beyond flags. You can find the 2020 AFC Championship GameAl Riveron was the former senior vice president for NFL. allowed a review for a non-reviewable play. He reversed his decision, which was wrong in the final game that would decide who will represent the AFC at the Super Bowl.
This post will cover all your officiating needs. It will also include rule explanations and important context. Enjoy the ride. (The top plays are listed.)
Raiders begin driving at the 2-yard line if a returner steps out of bounds
Raiders-Bengals wild-card game, 1:18 remaining in first quarter
What happened: Raiders kickoff returner Peyton BarberGrabbed the ball and stepped out of bounds at 2-yards.
How it was resolvedBarber was disqualified at the 2. This left the Raiders with a terrible field position for the third possession.
Analysis:Barber wanted to exploit a well-known NFL rule and get the ball marked at 40 yards. He wanted to step out of bounds, then touch the ball. The ball is considered out of bounds if it touches a player once he is out of bounds. Barber could have stepped out first and the Bengals would have been penalized. Referee Jerome Boger would also have had to spot the ball at the 40. Barber grabbed the ball first, but it was ruled that he had run out of space with possession.
Many teams have tried to take advantage of that rule in recent times by deliberately going out of bounds, then reaching for it. Green Bay Packers‘ Randall Cobb2012