Is this a sign of things to come from NFL officiating?
Chicago Bears defensive tackle Mike Pennel Jr. was ejected on Monday for an illegal blindside block against the New England Patriots. The penalty was textbook, the but ejection came as a surprise.
The play took place late in Chicago's 33-14 win. With the Patriots facing second-and-20, quarterback Bailey Zappe threw a pass over the middle. It was tipped at the line of scrimmage and intercepted by Bears linebacker Roquan Smith. As Smith returned the interception, Pennel leveled Patriots center David Andrews with a blindside block.