'This league is soft': NFL fans call for major rule change after controversial penalty

The Atlanta Falcons came up with a huge victory on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. Wide receiver Drake London caught a game-tying touchdown pass in the waning moments of the fourth quarter, but also nearly cost Atlanta a chance to win the game in regulation by drawing a penalty.

After securing a touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins which tied the game, London pretended like he was shooting a gun into the air. Unfortunately, he did this right next to an official, who decided that the action warranted a flag.

This moved the extra-point attempt to take the lead back 15 yards, from a 33-yard try to a 48-yard boot. Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo still converted, so the penalty did not end up costing Atlanta in the long run. However, the flag coming at a crucial time of the game has been the subject of much conversation.

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The NFL has disciplined its players for making “violent gestures” in the past. Last season, Deshaun Watson and David Njoku were both fined for making gun-related celebrations in a game. Needless to say, if the Falcons went on to lose the game, London’s decision to unveil that celebration at that time would have been a brutal error.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said after the game, as captured by Marca, “There was no malice in that action. If anything, he probably imagined he was shooting t-shirts into the crowd. That’s the type of guy he is.”

Morris also said, “He was excited. He’s a guy who plays with so much passion. Before I even got to him, he had already apologized to the team. That speaks volumes about his character.”

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However, there are plenty of people who think that London received a flag unnecessarily. Morris’ response can be taken as a tongue in cheek response that also indicates the penalty was questionable at best.

As captured by Athlon Sports, one fan wrote, “The NFL refs need to stop throwing flags for touchdown celebrations. Refs too involved over the weekend, again.”

Athlon Sports caught another fan posting on social media, “Change your rules!!! Let players show their raw emotions. This league is soft.”

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Outkick’s website called the NFL the “no fun league” after the decision to penalize London’s touchdown celebration. Zach Dean from Outkick wrote, “I think the NFL despises anyone who wants to show a shred of emotion, and it’s annoyed the heck out of me for years, but at this point, I’m numb to it.”