In the NFL season opener between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, a total of four illegal formation penalties were called on the Ravens, with three occurring during their first drive. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley criticized the officiating, suggesting that referees were targeting him to illustrate a new crackdown on formations. This emphasis on illegal formations is a continuation of a trend from the preseason, prompting teams like the Patriots to adjust their practices to avoid similar penalties. The Ravens' early penalties sparked outrage among fans and commentators, who worried about the potential impact on the flow of the game. Meanwhile, there were accusations of inconsistent officiating, as some felt that Chiefs' offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor escaped similar scrutiny. The NFL aims to enhance fairness by enforcing formation rules designed to protect the integrity of defensive play and quarterback safety.