Jeffery Simmons victimized by officiating malpractice in first quarter of Titans game vs Texans

TItans star Jeffery Simmons got a bad break in NFL Week 11.

Buck Reising — Tennessee Titans Beat Writer
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NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans (1-8) defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is no stranger to personal fouls in NFL games. On Sunday in Week 11 at home against the Houston Texans, Simmons was flagged for an unnecessary roughness that extended Houston’s initial drive.

The penalty against Simmons was an egregious miss by the game’s officials.

Jeffery Simmons wronged

Tennessee stalled out the Texans’ opening possession with a fourth and 2 on the Titans’ 13-yard line.

Houston reserve kicker Matthew Wright attempted a field goal from 31 yards, but missed. Simmons was hit with the flag as he appeared to swim move the Texans’ long snapper, Austin Brinkman. Brinkman fell to the ground as Simmons maneuvered around him, which appeared to draw the call.

ARTICLE 3. DEFENSIVE TEAM FORMATION

Rule 9. Scrimmage Kick

Item 2: Field Goal or Try Kick Formation. When Team A presents a field goal or Try Kick formation:

  1. A Team B player, who is within one yard of the line of scrimmage, must have his entire body outside the snapper’s shoulder pads at the snap.
  2. No more than six Team B players may be >on the line of scrimmage on either side of the snapper at the snap.

By definition, Simmons appeared to have made a clean play.

Houston’s drive was extended but ultimately ended in a fourth-and-2 stop that resulted in no points. A “Ball Don’t Lie” moment for the Titans.

Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.

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