Tom Coughlin says Giants must clean up defensive penalties

NFL officials are calling illegal contact penalties closer than ever, and that’s causing a problem for the New York Giants’ defense.

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Against the Jets on Friday, the Giants’ D was flagged a ridiculous ten times. Tom Coughlin spoke to reporters Saturday about the importance of cleaning up that situation before the regular season begins (via AP):

"“We have to clean up the hands to the face penalties. No matter how you look at it, that’s a foul. Once an official sees that, it’s a penalty. There are illegal contact penalties where there was no disruption in the route. Contact happens when one turns in one direction and the other was a little behind.Added Coughlin: “We’re still trying to understand and clean it up. Quite frankly, it’s a concern if the officials are going to continue calling it into the regular season. We must do something about this to have a chance to compete.“If you’re going to win at this level, you have to do a great job of reducing penalties. It is a true concern, because we’re down to one preseason game. Officials, coaches and players all have to see things the same way.”"

Flags have been flying at an alarming rate all over the NFL this preseason, causing some games to slow down almost to the point of being unwatchable.

Tom Coughlin probably would like to slam the NFL for this new emphasis on illegal contact but that would only get him fined, so he’s putting the onus on himself and his players at least verbally.

But under the surface of his remarks you can feel Coughlin’s true sentiments simmering. He hates the way the officials are calling these games, and he’s not alone in this feeling.

If games keep turning into flagfests, it might be the fans who have the biggest problem with the NFL.

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