By Bill Bradley, contributing editor
The increased downfield calls -- like defensive holding and pass interference -- have been the biggest topic involving officiating this season. Just ask Al Riveron, NFL senior director of officiating.
But don't point fingers at the NFL Competition Committee for the increased point of emphasis on the defender-receiver relationship. Competition committee co-chairman Jeff Fisher said the real push was started by the 32 teams last year.
"It was a survey that was sent out to the clubs, and the clubs were concerned about both (offensive pass interference), about (defensive pass interference) and about defensive holding," Fisher said Tuesday during *The Rich Eisen Show*. "So that's where the discussions start, when they're brought to the committee from the clubs.
"We looked at it. We put a plan of emphasis in."
Fisher said the downfield calls are up dramatically -- and he has to live with them as a coach.
"I know the numbers were way up in the preseason -- they're still up -- but that's the direction we're headed," he said. "You've seen results. I've fallen victim to those type of things, those calls that should not have been called that are not fouls, and that's just, unfortunately, part of the game.
"We hope they don't come, as you say, on key third downs -- and I'm looking at my third-down stuff right now, and I probably got five in the last four games, and they're back-breaking. But those things need to be cleaned up."
KEY 2014 PENALTIES COMPARED WITH 2013
Through Week 6
Illegal Contact: -- 2013: 16; 2014: 63.
Defensive Holding -- 2013: 63; 2014: 138.
Offensive Pass Interference -- 2013: 32; 2014: 47.
Illegal Use of Hands -- 2013: 36; 2014: 93.
Unnecessary Roughness -- 2013: 113; 2014: 94
Taunting/Unsportsmanlike -- 2013: 27; 2014: 33.
Total fouls
2013 – 1347 (14.6 per game, 92 games)
2014 – 1538 (16.9 per game, 91 games)
Statistics provided by NFL Communications
