Here’s Why the Ravens Kept Getting Penalties for Illegal Formation Against the Chiefs

The Baltimore Ravens were assessed three illegal formation penalties on their opening drive against the Kansas City Chiefs due to their emphasis on offensive linemen’s placement – ironically, because of the Chiefs.

Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley was called four times for the same infraction in the first half. Under NFL rules, seven players must be on the line of scrimmage before the snap — almost always a combination of five offensive linemen, plus two receivers, running backs or tight ends.

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For offensive tackles, this usually means positioning their helmet at the center’s waist before the snap to be considered on the line. This allows them to effectively stay a step or two behind the line in anticipation of a pass rush. Stanley, like many offensive tackles, took an extra step back to give himself an advantage against opposing pass rushers.

You may remember that this is a scenario from last In last year’s season opener, it was Chiefs starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor who was criticized for lining up illegally – but the referees failed to call it consistently.

“To be on the line of scrimmage, his helmet has to be higher than the center’s waist. And to be honest, we’ve watched it throughout the game, he’s really not close,” NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay said during last year’s opener. “And it really puts the defender at a huge disadvantage when he can be that far behind.”

The NFL has emphasized this year that referees must call offensive tackles that attempt to create extra breathing room at the line of scrimmage.

And the Chiefs ended up being the first beneficiaries.