Tyler Trumbauer
The officials have been a topic of conversation in each of the Eagles last two games. The zebras will probably be a big factor in Sunday’s contest against the Minnesota Vikings as well.
According to ESPN Stats and Information, the officiating crew assigned to today’s Eagles-Vikings game averages the fifth most penalties per game in the NFL this season.
Led by referee John Hussey, his crew, averages 18.3 penalties per game through the first six weeks of the NFL season. Jerome Boger and his crew lead the league in average called infractions per game at 20.8.
According to Kevin Seifert of ESPN, the offensive line specifically should be careful today, but the defense might be able to get away with some things.
Hussey’s crew has called 25 offensive holding penalties, second most in the league. On the other hand, it has called only 13 penalties for defensive holding, illegal contact and defensive pass interference — fewer than all but one crew. That could be a good sign for the Vikings’ secondary, which has its share of physical cover men. Cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes, Terence Newman and Trae Waynes have been called for a combined 10 penalties this season in pass defense.
According to FootballZebras.com, this is the first time Hussey will be working an Eagles game this season.