The typical number of infractions called during a National Football League contest offers a quantifiable metric of game discipline and officiating tendencies. This figure represents the total penalties assessed to both teams within a single game, averaged over a specified period, such as a season or multiple seasons. For example, if, across a season, the sum of penalties in each game is divided by the total number of games, the result provides the mean number of penalties per game.
Tracking this statistic is valuable for several reasons. It allows for comparisons between different eras of the league, highlighting shifts in rule enforcement emphasis. Furthermore, teams often monitor this data to gauge their own performance relative to the league average, identifying areas where they may need to improve discipline or adjust their playing style to avoid costly mistakes. Historically, rule changes and referee interpretations have significantly impacted this average, leading to periodic fluctuations.