Chris Simms Calls Out ‘Ridiculous’ NFL Call, Raising Questions for Houston Fans

Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Chris Simms sparked new debate this week after he blasted a controversial penalty call, urging league officials to apply what he called "common sense" when reviewing plays. His comments immediately drew the attention of Houston football fans who have watched the Texans endure several close games shaped by officiating decisions this season.

Simms Pushes Back on ‘Ridiculous’ Call

Simms shared his frustration during a recent segment discussing a play that, in his view, should not have drawn a flag. He argued that the league continues to struggle with consistency on judgment calls, especially those involving player contact and timing.

The analyst emphasized that the NFL must better balance player safety with the flow of the game. According to Simms, penalties that hinge on slow-motion replay often fail to reflect real-time action, leading to calls that feel disconnected from how the play unfolded on the field.

His remarks resonated because the disputed call influenced momentum in the game being discussed. While the matchup did not involve the Texans directly, the incident added fuel to an ongoing league-wide debate about officiating clarity.

Why It Matters for the Houston Texans

Texans fans know how much a single penalty can shape a tight contest, especially during a playoff push. Houston's young roster has played in several narrow games this season, and officiating inconsistencies have occasionally shifted drives or erased big plays.

Because the Texans rely heavily on rhythm, particularly with their fast-paced offense, questionable calls can stall momentum or force longer fields. Simms’s criticism highlights an issue that could impact Houston in late-season matchups where every possession matters.

If the league continues to tighten or reinterpret contact rules, defenders like Derek Stingley Jr. must adjust quickly. Offensive players, including C.J. Stroud, may also see changes in how referees protect quarterbacks and receivers.

Calls for Clarity Across the League

Simms urged the NFL to simplify its approach. He believes referees often face too much pressure to decide split-second actions through the lens of replay, which creates outcomes that feel inconsistent.

League officials have acknowledged these concerns in the past but have not implemented large-scale changes to judgment-call reviews. Instead, they rely on weekly communications to teams explaining penalties, a process many coaches and players find unclear.

For fans, including those in Houston, the debate reflects growing tension over how much influence officials have during critical moments.

What’s Next

The NFL competition committee will likely revisit several officiating topics after the season. If public criticism grows, the league may explore tweaks to review standards or clarify contact rules.

For now, teams must adapt. The Texans will continue preparing for late-season games where penalties could shape playoff positioning. Coaches often remind players to assume tight officiating and play with discipline to avoid preventable flags.

This article is a summary of reporting by Awful Announcing. Read the full story here.