NFL Strictly Enforcing Illegal Contact, Offensive Pass Interference
Discouraging illegal contact by defensive backs could boost scoring.
The NFL is rigorously enforcing illegal contact by defensive backs beyond five yards from the line of scrimmage and offensive pass interference as key points of clarification for the upcoming season, aiming to promote a wider passing game and boost scoring. This approach was previously used to open up the passing game and increase fan interest.
Week 1 witnessed 72-point games, including the Bills' 41-31 victory over the Lions in their new stadium, showcasing an open passing game. The NFL's weekly officiating video highlighted examples of illegal contact and offensive pass interference, emphasizing that such plays are against the rules. Despite a decrease in illegal contact penalties from Week 1 last season, the league still called seven such violations during Week 1 games, down from 10 the previous year.
Offensive pass interference penalties also saw an increase, with six called during Week 1, up from one in 2024. However, despite these efforts, scoring remains high, with Week 1 games averaging 19.5 million viewers, down from 22.5 million in 2024.
Written by urgent.news from Front Office Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
