“That was an attempted eye poke cmon refs lmfao,” one fan exclaimed on X, capturing the disbelief that rippled through social media after Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct in a heated exchange with Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. The incident, which unfolded faster than a Stroud spiral, has NFL fans crying foul and demanding justice for Collins.

On a routine 1-yard run by Joe Mixon to the Chicago 13, Stevenson allegedly poked Collins in the face, prompting the Texans receiver to shove Stevenson’s helmet in retaliation. In a twist that left fans scratching their heads, officials penalized Collins 15 yards for unnecessary roughness.

“Second person always gets penalized,” another fan lamented, echoing a sentiment shared by many who viewed the incident. This outcry highlights a growing frustration among NFL enthusiasts who feel the league’s penalty enforcement often misses the mark. Fans argue that instigators like Stevenson frequently escape punishment, while retaliators bear the brunt of officials’ wrath.

The controversy has sparked calls for a more nuanced approach to officiating. “Dirty bears … fine and suspend him,” demanded one passionate supporter, advocating for stricter consequences for Stevenson’s alleged eye-poking attempt. Another fan simply stated, “Hate to see this,” expressing disappointment in the officiating decision. The incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate about player safety and the need for consistent rule enforcement across the league.

As the dust settles on this latest NFL brouhaha, one thing’s crystal clear: fans aren’t just spectators anymore. They’re vocal participants in shaping the narrative around player conduct and officiating standards. As one fan succinctly put it, “He hit him tf,” highlighting the perceived injustice of the call.

Collins bounces back with touchdown heroics

While the refs may have thrown a flag on Collins, he threw it right back in their faces – metaphorically speaking, of course. Just one play after the controversial penalty, Collins turned lemons into touchdown lemonade. On second-and-24 from the Chicago 28, Collins muscled his way into the end zone, leaving Stevenson in his wake. Adding insult to injury, Stevenson was flagged for illegal use of hands on the play. Talk about poetic justice!

This wasn’t just any touchdown – it was a statement. Collins’ score put the Texans up 10-3, proving that he’s not just a receiver; he’s a resilient force to be reckoned with. His three catches for 52 yards and a touchdown in the early going showcased why he’s becoming a fan favorite faster than you can say “unsportsmanlike conduct.”

But let’s zoom out for a second. This Collins-Stevenson kerfuffle is just the latest chapter in the receiver’s rising star story. Remember when T.Y. Hilton used to terrorize the Texans? Well, Collins is flipping that script against the Colts. In his last three games against Indy, he’s racked up a whopping 22 catches for 458 yards and two touchdowns. That’s not just good – that’s “I own this rivalry now” good.