The first half of the NFL season opener was laundry day.
The Ravens were penalized for formation violations four times in the first half and three times on their opening drive in a rematch of last season's AFC title game against the defending champion Chiefs.
Three of the four penalties were against left tackle Ronnie Stanley.
The Ravens had a total of seven penalties in the first half.
“John Harbaugh's sick of it,” NBC play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico said as the Ravens were called for their fourth illegal formation penalty.
“It can't be a fun call for the umpire to make with Harbaugh standing right next to him,” commentator Cris Collinsworth responded.
The NFL has placed more emphasis on linemen lining up in the right formations heading into this season, and the Ravens made some offensive line personnel changes during the offseason, including trading veteran Morgan Moses to the Jets.
Still, it made for an aesthetically unpleasant football viewing experience and fans criticized referee Sean Hochuli.
“What does calling that illegal formation do to the game? Where does it come from? Not the coach. Not the player. Who is it?” SportsLine betting analyst Thomas Casale I wrote to X.
“Teams have been running the game the same way for 100 years. It's all nonsense. Just play football.”
