The first week of the NFL preseason is a time for teams to shake off the rust and get into game shape, but for some, it was a reminder of the discipline needed to avoid penalties. With numerous flags thrown across the league, a few teams stood out for the wrong reasons. Here’s a look at the teams with the most penalties and how this could impact their performance moving forward.
Penalty Leaders:
- Buffalo Bills: 11 penalties, 75 yards
The Bills topped the list with 11 penalties, costing them 75 yards. This kind of undisciplined play is concerning for a team with high aspirations. In 2023, Buffalo averaged 5.9 penalties per game, so this spike is something they’ll need to address quickly. - New York Giants: 10 penalties, 102 yards
The Giants followed closely behind, with 10 penalties that resulted in a staggering 102 yards. The lack of discipline could be costly, especially considering they tied for 9th in the league for the least amount of penalties in 2023. If this trend continues, it could spell trouble for a team looking to climb the NFC East standings. - New Orleans Saints: 9 penalties, 63 yards
The Saints were flagged 9 times for 63 yards. This is a concern for a team that was penalized an average of 5.6 times per game last season. As they continue to rebuild, reducing penalties will be key to staying competitive. - Carolina Panthers: 9 penalties, 61 yards
The Panthers also racked up 9 penalties, costing them 61 yards. In 2023, Carolina was end-of-the-pack in penalties, but if they don’t clean up their act, it could be another rough season ahead.
Other Notable Mentions
- Arizona Cardinals: 7 penalties, 84 yards
The Cardinals were heavily penalized in their first preseason game, which resulted in 84 yards being surrendered. This mirrors their struggles from last season, where they landed in the bottom ten for most penalties per game. - San Francisco 49ers: 8 penalties, 48 yards
The 49ers were flagged 8 times for 48 yards. Although they managed to keep the yardage down, the frequency of penalties is still a concern. - Chicago Bears: 8 penalties, 55 yards
The Bears had 8 penalties for 55 yards. While this isn’t an alarming amount of yardage, it still disrupts momentum and could be a problem if it persists into the regular season. - Philadelphia Eagles: 8 penalties, 55 yards
The Eagles matched the Bears with 8 penalties, resulting in 55 yards. Given that they were one of the least penalized teams in 2023, this uptick in penalties could be attributed to early preseason jitters. - Washington Commanders: 8 penalties, 65 yards
The Commanders were also penalized 8 times, giving up 65 yards in the process. Washington has been known for their disciplined play, ranking 7th in the fewest penalties last season.
The Cleanest Teams
- Houston Texans: 3 penalties, 10 yards
The Texans were one of the most disciplined teams in Week 1, committing only 3 penalties for 10 yards. This is a positive sign for a team looking to take the next step as a Super Bowl contender. - Green Bay Packers: 3 penalties, 11 yards
The Packers also kept their penalties to a minimum, with just 3 for 11 yards. Maintaining this level of discipline will be crucial as they transition into the Jordan Love era. - Tennessee Titans: 3 penalties, 15 yards
The Titans had just 3 penalties, costing them only 15 yards. This is a promising start for a team that was slightly above the league average in penalties last year.
Full List of Team Penalties: Preseason Week 1
- Saints: 9 penalties, 63 yards
- Cardinals: 7 penalties, 84 yards
- Seahawks: 6 penalties, 28 yards
- Chargers: 3 penalties, 20 yards
- 49ers: 8 penalties, 48 yards
- Titans: 3 penalties, 15 yards
- Buccaneers: 3 penalties, 32 yards
- Bengals: 8 penalties, 61 yards
- Chiefs: 6 penalties, 30 yards
- Jaguars: 3 penalties, 29 yards
- Packers: 3 penalties, 11 yards
- Browns: 4 penalties, 25 yards
- Raiders: 6 penalties, 35 yards
- Vikings: 4 penalties, 30 yards
- Bears: 8 penalties, 55 yards
- Bills: 11 penalties, 75 yards
- Commanders: 8 penalties, 65 yards
- Jets: 6 penalties, 34 yards
- Eagles: 8 penalties, 55 yards
- Ravens: 4 penalties, 25 yards
- Texans: 3 penalties, 10 yards
- Steelers: 6 penalties, 59 yards
- Falcons: 8 penalties, 65 yards
- Dolphins: 4 penalties, 25 yards
- Panthers: 9 penalties, 61 yards
- Patriots: 6 penalties, 45 yards
- Lions: 7 penalties, 41 yards
- Giants: 10 penalties, 102 yards
Conclusion
Penalties might not always steal the spotlight, but they can make all the difference in those nail-biting moments. The teams that struggled with penalties in Week 1 of the preseason will focus on cleaning up their act as the regular season approaches. For the teams that kept things tight and disciplined, there’s hope they can keep that momentum going and avoid costly mistakes down the line.