NFL news: Broncos star defends Riley Moss amid rash of penalties
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NFL officiating is a hot topic around the league every week, as fans, players and coaches complain about a lack of consistency in games or late key calls.
Denver Broncos linebacker Riley Moss has been hit with nearly a dozen penalties during the 2025 season, costing the team 203 yards. Football Database.
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Denver Broncos’ Riley Moss is called for pass interference on Green Bay Packers’ Matthew Golden during the second half of an NFL football game in Denver on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
On Sunday, Moss was called for a penalty call on Green Bay Packers winger Matthew Golden. While the ball was in the air, he placed his left hand on Golden’s right arm for a moment. It was this decision that apparently raised the flag.
Broncos star Patrick Surtain II has been Moss’ top defensive player.
“Yeah, I think those calls are pretty sticky,” Surtain said Wednesday. “I think there are examples in the league where other players have done the same thing and haven’t been called up.
“But at the end of the day, he keeps his head up and moves on to the next play.”
Denver Broncos’ Riley Moss celebrates an interception during the second half of the NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
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Surtain, the Defensive Player of the Year, joked in October that he was racially profiled by officials amid the suspensions handed down to Moss.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton is as upset as anyone.
“Look, he continues to compete,” Payton said. “I can’t say the word, but it starts with ‘A’ on this call. It’s just…holy cow. And I’m sure it’s a frustrating thing for him. But he’s going to continue to compete. He’s strong, he came back with a big interception. You know, the campaign in New York was brutal. But he’s going to continue to compete. We need to get better overall at seeing and handling these calls.”
Moss has 65 tackles and 15 pass breakups this season.
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The Broncos will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in a Week 16 matchup at home.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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