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“I get it, the rule is in place, but it’s hard to stay quiet when you see calls like that affecting the game.
We work hard, and when we feel the game isn’t being called fairly, it’s frustrating.
But we know we have to keep our heads down and focus on the next game.”
— Kerby Joseph, Safety, Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are facing not just the fallout from an emotionally charged game, but also the possibility of penalties for their players, including
Following their intense matchup on Sunday, where tensions boiled over into a post-game brawl, all eyes have been on Brian Branch for potential disciplinary action.
However, it’s
Instead, Kerby Joseph is at risk of punishment for his public criticism of the game’s officiating.
Following the controversial contest, Joseph took to social media to voice his frustration with what many believed were poor calls that favored the opposing team.
However, the NFL has a strict policy in place that prohibits players from publicly criticizing officials, whether through interviews, social media, or other public forums.
In response to the situation, Joseph shared his frustrations, acknowledging the difficulty in staying silent when he felt the game was being influenced by questionable calls.
“I get it, the rule is in place, but it’s hard to stay quiet when you see calls like that affecting the game.
We work hard, and when we feel the game isn’t being called fairly, it’s frustrating,” Joseph stated. “But we know we have to keep our heads down and focus on the next game.”
The NFL’s stance on this issue is clear. According to Article 12, Section 3 of the playing rules, players are prohibited from making public comments that undermine the integrity or competency of officials.
Joseph’s comments on Twitter, which followed a game with several controversial decisions — including a no-call on a JuJu Smith-Schuster block and Chris Jones’ near offside violations — seem to fall directly in violation of this policy.
While Joseph’s comments reflect the frustration many players feel after games marked by controversial officiating, the NFL’s enforcement of this rule leaves little room for players to publicly vent their concerns.
This silence, enforced through fines and potential suspensions, often only serves to build resentment among players and fans who feel that their voices should be heard, especially when the officiating impacts the outcome of the game.
Denver Broncos Defense on Historic Pace After Record Setting Start
The Denver Broncos have been one of the best defenses in the NFL so far this week. What’s even scarier is that the
The Broncos tied a franchise record with nine sacks against the Jets, showcasing their remarkable balance and depth with eight different players contributing to the sack total.
As The Denver Gazette noted, Denver’s defense held the Jets to only 82 total yards and minus-10 passing yards after sacks, which is the fewest in team history and second-fewest by any NFL defense since 1990.
Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto couldn’t help but laugh when he learned the stat:
“I was shocked when they told us after the game,” Bonitto said. “That’s pretty funny.”
Bonitto leads the entire
Cornerback Pat Surtain II, last season’s DPOY, thinks Bonitto could be next in line.
“It was honestly pretty crazy,” Surtain said. “It was like I was sitting back watching, being a fan of it. We’re covering for maybe one or two seconds, I look up, there’s a sack. It’s a pleasure to watch and a pleasure to be part of.”
Historic Numbers Through Week 6
Through six weeks, Denver leads the NFL with 30 total sacks, 10 more than any other team.
They rank second in total defense (254.2 yards per game) and scoring defense (15.8 points per game). Only the
The turnaround has been remarkable.
After giving up 473 yards in a Week 2 loss to Indianapolis, the Broncos’ defense has completely locked in. In their last three wins over the
Nose tackle D.J. Jones said the group has found its rhythm:
“We’ve been in that groove, just a relentless groove. It’s special to be a part of it.”
Denver’s Depth and Dominance
Despite missing key contributors like linebacker Dre Greenlaw (quad injury) and still easing Malcolm Roach back into action after a calf issue, the Broncos have emerged as perhaps the league’s most feared defensive unit.
Roach made his season debut on Sunday in London but only logged 25 of 57 defensive snaps.
Even without Greenlaw and Roach for most of the first six weeks of the season, the
“They’ve been playing their butts off week in and week out,” wide receiver Courtland Sutton said about the defense.
“It’s been special to watch, and I’m just grateful to be on a team with guys playing at that level. They’re out there with the mindset that nobody can stop them. The sky’s the limit for those guys.”
As dominant as Denver’s defense has been, it could get even scarier once the unit is back to full strength.
The Broncos will host the Giants next before a Week 9 clash with Houston, a game that could turn into a battle between two of the NFL’s top defenses.
