NFL fans already upset over rise in unclear penalties

The 2024 NFL season is here, and that means fans have a chance to voice their displeasure with the thing they hate most: referees.

On the Baltimore Ravens’ first drive of the season, three illegal formation penalties were assessed to the Ravens’ offensive line. Although only one was called — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid declined one and the Chiefs’ pass interference penalty was reversed — fans were not happy with the increased screen time from the officials.

The number of penalties assessed on the Ravens’ opening drive caught the attention of NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth.

“Wow,” Collinsworth exclaimed on a national broadcast. “I mean, they call it a razor sharp around here.”

“The Vault: A Daily Ravens Podcast” co-host Sarah Ellison was also irritated by the number of calls.

“Can we figure out this illegal formation???” she wrote. “Three in a row is crazy.”

If fans thought the penalties would slow the game down, they were wrong. Despite being penalized three times, the Ravens drove well down the field, ending with a five-yard touchdown run by Derrick Henry with 6:46 left in the game.

If that was impressive, what the Chiefs did next was electrifying. Kansas City needed just five plays to respond to Baltimore’s touchdown, driving 67 yards in 2:19. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who set the NFL Combine record in the 40-yard dash, completed an end-around pass 21 yards into the end zone.

“What a fast start to the game,” NBC commentator Mike Tirico said after the first quarter.

Baltimore and Kansas City were tied 7-7 after the first 15 minutes of the 2024 season.