This past weekend in the NFL was filled with bizarre moments, particularly involving special teams. From missed field goals to inexplicably dropped balls, several teams found themselves on the wrong side of strange errors that could cost them dearly. In the Bengals game, punter Ryan Rico was having a standout performance. He landed a 66-yard punt down at the 2-yard line, which led to a crucial safety for his team and pushed the game into overtime. But just as the Bengals were about to seal the win with a field goal, something unexpected happened. Rico, who had the ball securely in his hands, lost control as he was setting it down for the kicker. The ball ended up sideways on the ground, far from where it needed to be for a game-winning field goal. The irony? The football had the words “Crucial Catch” printed on it—mockingly appropriate given the situation.

Over in the Dolphins’ game, a string of special teams blunders continued. Jason Sanders missed an easy field goal, and Jake Bailey had a punt blocked. But the real disaster came when the Dolphins attempted another field goal. The snap was botched, skipping across the ground, and despite Jake Bailey’s efforts to recover, the timing was off. Sanders tried to pull back the kick but was tackled, ending the play. Again, it appeared that the snapper had a good grip on the ball, only for it to slip inexplicably upon release. Even the Chiefs weren’t immune to this phenomenon. During a 26-yard field goal attempt, what seemed like a clean snap turned into another fumble when the ball slipped out of the holder’s hands. Three separate games, three similar mistakes—all involving specialists who should have had full control of the ball.

To understand these mishaps better, it’s essential to look at how NFL teams prepare their footballs. Initially, teams scuff the leather surface to improve grip. They then apply a special wax that hydrates the ball, increasing its flexibility and tackiness. After wiping off any excess wax, the ball is softened and molded using rollers or by hand. It is then inflated to the official pressure of 12.5-13.5 psi and checked before the game. Finally, quarterbacks test the balls to ensure they meet their preferences and are ready for play. Given the extensive preparation that goes into each football, the repeated slipping incidents raise questions about whether something in this process could be contributing to the errors.

Is this just a series of unfortunate coincidences, or is something else at play? Whether it’s how the footballs are being handled or something happening with the equipment, these repeated errors have raised eyebrows. As teams head into the critical stretch of the season, any lapse could be costly, and these strange mishaps might warrant further investigation.