The past two weeks have been a banner showcase for a relatively rare NFL penalty: offensive offsides.
First, Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney was flagged for being offside on a critical play during Kansas City’s Week 14 loss to the Bills—a penalty that provoked one of the most emotional reactions of quarterback Patrick Mahomes’s career.
Then, Broncos offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz was penalized for being offside on a fourth-and-goal play late in the third quarter against the Lions on Saturday. The questionable call took a touchdown off the board, forcing Denver to kick a field goal to cut Detroit’s lead to 18 rather than 14.
Broncos coach Sean Payton was irate on the sidelines before the ensuing field-goal attempt—first at the officials, and then at quarterback Russell Wilson.
The Broncos were called for offensive offsides, wiping out a TD on 4th-and-goal.
Sean Payton was livid at the officials… and Denver QB Russell Wilson.
"Well, there is a very animated discussion. I'd say it's a one-sided discussion with his quarterback." – Kevin Harlan pic.twitter.com/k9KKcoSain
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 17, 2023
“There is a very animated discussion—I’d say it’s a one-sided discussion—with (Payton’s) quarterback,” NFL Network play-by-play announcer Kevin Harlan deadpanned in the booth.
The Broncos entered Saturday winners of six of their last seven games—a run of success that came to a screeching halt with Saturday’s 42–17 loss.