Offsides has always been a part of the game, but this season has seen increased discussion around offensive offsides penalties. NFL officials are taking a more stringent approach to flagging offensive players for lining up offsides, leading to a notable uptick in such calls. There have been 19 offensive offside penalties this season, compared to only 18 total from 2012 to 2022.
Former league VP of Officiating Dean Blandino believes the surge in offensive offside calls is a result of the league’s emphasis on addressing the infraction, particularly in response to the Philadelphia Eagles’ controversial “Tush Push” play.
However, Blandino expressed reservations about the consistency of these calls, citing the recent penalty on Broncos offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz during the game against the Detroit Lions. Blandino suggested that some calls, like the one on Meinerz, might be perceived as technical or marginal and could potentially be let go.
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“Maybe his helmet, maybe his hand was in the neutral zone. This one to me felt technical. This one to me felt marginal. This one to me felt like we could let this go,” Blandino said.
The impact of the offensive offside rule has already played a role in influencing game outcomes, as witnessed in the recent game involving the Kansas City Chiefs. As the season progresses and playoffs approach, the enforcement of such rules remains a crucial aspect to ensure fair competition and prevent teams from gaining unfair advantages.