Patriots Lineman Vindicated After Early Rash Of Penalties In Chiefs-Ravens

New England Patriots offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor isn’t alone when it comes failing to properly line up.

Okorafor was flagged three times for illegal formation by referee Shawn Hochuli when the Patriots closed out the preseason with a 20-10 road loss to the Washington Commanders.

And Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley had the same problem with Hochuli, but in a much bigger spotlight with Baltimore and the Kanas City Chiefs getting the NFL season started Thursday night at Arrowhead Stadium.

Stanley, a much more formidable lineman than Okorafor, was called for illegal formation twice in the first seven snaps of the game — he lined up ever-so slightly in the backfield — leading many to exonerate Okorafor for his poor showing in the preseason finale.

The NFL clearly made it a point of emphasis to cut down on offensive tackles lining up just behind the line of scrimmage to try to gain an advantage over athletic edge rushers trying to make their way to the quarterback. Regardless, Staley’s penalties drew quite the reaction on social media with many having Okorafor top of mind.

Okorafor will look to avoid picking up any more illegal formation penalties as it’s looking like he’ll start at left tackle in a shaky offensive line when the Patriots open up the season against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Kickoff from Paycor Stadium on Sunday is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.