Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Brutal call on Broncos latest example of NFL's crackdown on offensive offsides

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 12/17/23

The Denver Broncos had a touchdown taken off the board on Saturday because of a penalty, and the Kansas City Chiefs can feel their pain.

The Broncos were trailing 28-7 late in the third quarter of their eventual 42-17 loss to the Detroit Lions. Denver had 4th-and-goal from the Detroit 1-yard line, and head coach Sean Payton decided to go for it. Fullback Michael Burton found the end zone on a rush up the middle, but the Broncos were called for offensive offsides.

Replays showed that right guard Quinn Meinerz had his head in the neutral zone when Denver lined up to snap the ball.

More offensive offsides controversy in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/GVcaKqSq5a

— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) December 17, 2023

The 5-yard penalty backed Denver up to the 6-yard line, so Payton settled for the field goal to cut the deficit to 28-10.

It is unlikely that the outcome of the game would have been changed if the Broncos scored a touchdown there rather than kicking a field goal. What made the play even more noteworthy is that it was another example of how the NFL is keeping a closer eye on offensive offsides this season.

It was the 14th offensive offsides call of the season. The most recent one came in the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss to the Buffalo Bills last week . Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes unloaded on the officiating crew over that call, which led to big fines for both the coach and quarterback.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: