Penalties drive N.F.L. coaches and fans crazy.
Some infractions, like offside and the false start, are fairly clear-cut to spot and have some correlation to a team’s skill and ability. They are generally the mark of a young roster — or one with inexperienced starters being asked to replace injured starters. The Broncos, Saints, Seahawks and Dolphins are the league’s most penalized teams, while Seattle and Miami join the Jets, Commanders and Ravens as teams at deficits when it comes to net penalty yards against opponents, according to nflpenalties.com.
The more subjective flags — where referees are asked to exercise independent judgment in deciding penalties like pass interference, roughing the passer, and unsportsmanlike conduct — are the ones that send fan bases and bettors into chaos.