Why the NFL is making illegal formation a point of emphasis

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It took just one game of the 2024 season to land NFL officiating back in the discourse.

On the second play of Thursday night's game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens, referee Shawn Hochuli's crew penalized Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley for illegal formation, a 5-yard penalty that in this case meant Stanley was lined up too deep. An offensive lineman's helmet must be even with his center's waist by rule, but Stanley was lined up farther back, which can create an advantage for the offense and make it harder for the defense's pass rushers to beat a tackle.

Three plays later, the same penalty was called, this time on Ravens right tackle…