Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms questioned the consistency of NFL officiating after the Detroit Lions’ 20-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 7. He highlighted several penalties that he believes have become increasingly common across the league.

Speaking with Mike Florio on NBC Sports’ “Pro Football Talk,” Simms discussed Packers head coach Matt LaFleur’s decision to take the high road when addressing the officiating.

Chris Simms Questions Penalties Called Against Green Bay Packers in Loss to Detroit Lions

The conversation was about the balance officials must maintain between enforcing the rules and allowing players to compete without unnecessary interruptions.

Simms also referenced a disputed third-quarter play that he described as involving Jahmyr Gibbs. The play actually involved Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who got back to his feet after a 4-yard reception before Devonte Wyatt tackled him again and was flagged for unnecessary roughness.

“You know, I think you’re saying it right. We want things called that are blatant and egregious,” he said.

He then questioned the threshold for roughing-the-passer penalties, using a sarcastic description of contact with Goff to make his point.

“I don’t want, ‘Oh, the guy fell and touched Jared Goff’s tummy, and we’re going to call penalty.’ That’s when it’s ridiculous,” Simms said.

These comments seem to have stemmed from Green Bay being penalized eight times for 81 yards, compared with five penalties for 50 yards against the Lions. Several calls against the Packers were considered questionable by some, including roughing-the-passer penalties on defenders Karl Brooks and Brenton Cox Jr.

The penalty totals became part of the postgame debate, especially considering the Packers lost by three points. The numbers alone do not establish that officiating determined the outcome, but the disputed calls added to the conversation surrounding Green Bay’s defeat.

Simms’ criticism seemed to be about what he sees as inconsistent enforcement of rules governing contact with quarterbacks and offensive players.

NFL rules limit certain types of contact with passers, requiring defenders to avoid late, forcible, or otherwise prohibited hits. Simms did not argue that those rules should be removed. Nevertheless, he questioned whether officials sometimes interpret ordinary contact as a foul.

He also returned to the disputed third-quarter play involving St. Brown, whom Simms mistakenly referred to as Gibbs.

“Jahmyr Gibbs got up and ran because he thought he was still not down, and he got tackled, and we threw a penalty on the guy for tackling him because he would be made a fool if he let the guy that got up and ran like he acted like he wasn’t down,” Simms added.

The point he seemed to make was that defenders must react quickly. If a player gets up and appears ready to continue, a defender may attempt a tackle rather than risk letting the play continue. Simms questioned whether officials sufficiently account for those circumstances when deciding whether to throw a flag.

Simms also discussed how officials handle contact between defensive backs and receivers, particularly on passes thrown deep downfield.

“I don’t want to see, ‘Oh my gosh, they touch fingernails 40 yards down the field. All pass interference,’” he said.

Simms described situations in which a quarterback throws into tight coverage, only for the defense to be penalized for illegal contact or unnecessary roughness. He argued that such calls can give the offense an advantage even when the quarterback makes a poor decision.

Simms appeared to suggest that officials should distinguish between contact that directly affects a play and incidental contact that does not warrant a penalty. While defensive backs must follow the rules, he believes minor contact should not automatically draw a flag.

“Forget that the quarterback threw the dumbest decision ever and the worst ball ever, and tried to kill his receiver. First down for the offense,” he said.

Simms summed up his concerns by returning to the need for officials to apply the rules consistently.

“Common sense from officials, consistency, and common sense and consistency are lacking at the referee position right now. That’s what we’re talking about there,” he said.

The win had significant implications for the NFC North standings, improving Detroit’s record to 4-2. They are currently ranked No. 18 in PFN’s NFL Team Impact Rankings with a grade of 74.8.