Last Sunday was flag day in the NFL. Teams combined to commit 246 infractions that yielded just over a mile’s worth of penalty yards.
The biggest culprits were the Baltimore Ravens, who had 21 penalties–one short of the NFL record–and two ejections. The Miami Dolphins did their part, too, setting a franchise record with 18 penalties for 108 yards.
Yellow flags are falling at a record rate, with more penalties through Week 5 than in any previous year.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league is not alarmed by the figures, reasoning that teams tend to adjust to the enforcement as the season wears on.
“These things have a way of evening themselves out,” Aiello said.
According to statistics compiled by NFL director of officiating Mike Pereira, this season is yielding 16 penalties per game, up 1.5 from last season.
Much of the surge in penalties comes not from new rules but from tougher enforcement of old ones, Aiello said. Three areas of emphasis–illegal blocks in the back, offensive pass interference and offensive holding–are being watched more closely this season.
The so-called new areas of emphasis come up annually and are reviewed during meetings with players and coaches before the season. Last year, for example, the focus was on defensive contact with a receiver within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage.
After much consternation early in 2004, cornerbacks eventually got a feel for what they could get away with.
“That’s been the history,” Aiello said. “Teams adjust to what’s being called.”
Until the correction, however, fans watch games like the Ravens-Detroit Lions debacle.
The Ravens, though, were hardly alone. Ten of the 28 teams that played in Week 5 racked up penalties in double digits. In the Monday night game, the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers each amassed at least 100 penalty yards. The Dolphins apparently came out of their week off with some pent-up angst, committing 18 penalties for 108 yards.
The adjustment is apparently taking longer every year. Strictly based on Week 5 totals, there were 12.3 penalties per game in 2002, 14.1 in 2003, 15.1 in 2004 and 17.5 this weekend.
“We’re monitoring it,” Aiello said, “but it’s too early to draw conclusions.”
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