The NFL didn’t put its best foot forward during Monday night’s doubleheader. Troy Aikman voiced his displeasure while watching an ugly game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos.
Denver dominated Cincinnati from the opening whistle, gaining 513 total yards to just 159 from Jake Browning’s Bengals. Making matters worse, the two AFC teams got called for 18 combined penalties at Mile High.
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As the game reached a merciful end, Aikman blasted an “embarrassing effort” from the Bengals. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback also criticized the officiating during ESPN’s broadcast.
“The product’s just not very good,” Aikman said. “I’m gonna be honest. Just not very good. I mean, this is ridiculous.”
Fans react to Aikman’s comments
Viewers appreciated Aikman’s candor in the commentary booth, and many shared his frustrations.
“Aikman is right,” a fan claimed. “The overofficiating problem is rampant in college and NFL football.”
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“Aikman and (Joe) Buck said out loud the very reason I don’t have the same love for football anymore,” a fan wrote. “The officiating and constant rule changes have hurt the watchability of this game. Judgement calls, can’t play defense, can’t tackle QB, it’s all ruined enjoyability of the NFL.”
“Perfect example of refs wanting to be the star of the show,” a fan said. “As the broadcast stated, the player had zero way of affecting the play.”
“Troy Aikman is great at his job and completely right,” a fan said. “The NFL has been crap for a while.”
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Aikman speaks his mind on Monday night
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 09: Former Quarterback Troy Aikman looks on prior to the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 09, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
The officials drew Aikman’s ire after calling an illegal blindside block on Broncos tackle Alex Palczewski in the third quarter. Aikman wasn’t appeased by rules analyst Russell Yurk saying the referees made the correct ruling.
“I’m not gonna keep my mouth shut. That’s a good call. Just not a necessary call,” Aikman declared. “No opportunity to try to make a play.”
The 58-year-old was annoyed that constant penalties derailed any game flow in Denver.
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“Nothing brings a broadcast to a screeching halt more than these yellow flags,” Aikman said.
Aikman wouldn’t have been much happier calling Monday night’s other game. The New York Jets were called for 13 penalties that cost them 101 yards in a 27-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Referees also threw 18 flags during Sunday night’s tie between the Cowboys and Green Bay Packers. Aikman will likely hope for more lenient officiating when the Kansas City Chiefs play the Jacksonville Jaguars next Monday night.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.