Explosive Penalties Shake Up Super Bowl ContendersExplosive Penalties Shake Up Super Bowl Contenders The NFL playoffs have been turned upside down by a series of explosive penalties that have left Super Bowl contenders reeling. Buffalo Bills In the Divisional Round, the Bills were penalized a staggering 12 times for 101 yards, their most penalties in a playoff game in 35 years. The most egregious penalty came in the third quarter when defensive end Shaq Lawson was flagged for roughing the passer on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The penalty extended a Chiefs drive that ended in a touchdown and shifted the momentum of the game. “We’ve got to be more disciplined,” said Bills head coach Sean McDermott. “We can’t afford to give up free yards like that.” Cincinnati Bengals The Bengals were also hit hard by penalties in their Divisional Round loss to the Titans. They were flagged 11 times for 113 yards, including a crucial holding penalty on wide receiver Tee Higgins that negated a 26-yard gain. “It’s frustrating when you make mistakes like that,” said Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. “We’re a young team, but we have to learn from our mistakes.” Green Bay Packers The Packers were not immune to the penalty epidemic. In their Divisional Round loss to the 49ers, they were penalized 10 times for 90 yards. The most costly penalty came on the Packers’ final drive, when cornerback Jaire Alexander was flagged for pass interference in the end zone. The penalty gave the 49ers a fresh set of downs, and they eventually scored the game-winning field goal. “Penalties can kill you in this league,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. “We have to be more disciplined if we want to be successful.” Implications for the Super Bowl The series of explosive penalties has cast doubt on the chances of several Super Bowl contenders. The Bills, Bengals, and Packers all have work to do to clean up their acts if they want to make a run at the Lombardi Trophy. “Discipline is a key component of success,” said former NFL coach Bill Parcells. “Teams that can’t control their penalties will find it difficult to win consistently.” As the playoffs progress, the teams that can minimize penalties will have a significant advantage. The Super Bowl is still up for grabs, but the contenders who fail to clean up their acts will be at a severe disadvantage.
