A lot of NFL teams are upset with strict officiating this season, but Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin called the increase in penalties a “joke”. The Steelers beat the Atlanta Falcons 41-17 on Sunday, improving to 2-2-1. However, they have been taken out of a few games because of late game penalties this year. Tomlin acknowledged that some penalties against his team on Sunday were justified, but wasn't supportive of a few other calls.

“But some of the other stuff, man, is a joke,” Tomlin told ESPN. “We gotta get better as a National Football League. Man, these penalties are costing people games and jobs. We gotta get 'em correct. And so I'm pissed about it, to be quite honest with you. But that's all I'm gonna say on it.”

Steelers defensive end T.J. Watt had three sacks against the Falcons. He was penalized for one hit on Matt Ryan that was deemed too low. Watt says he tried to avoid injuring him, but you can only do so much.

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“I understand the rules. I'm not a dirty player,” Watt said. “I tried to pull off him at the end. Whether the ref saw it or not, I understand why they call it. It was a low hit. But I tried to pull my arms off. We'll see if I get a check in the mail or not. … It puts us in a bind because I don't know what else I can do. I couldn't have rolled off, then I risk hitting someone in the knees or hurting myself.”

Mike Tomlin and his Steelers are at the bottom of the AFC North. The division title is still within their reach though. They're just starting to turn things around with their second consecutive win. They hope to find a solution to their penalty problem soon, or it will jeopardize the results of some must win games this season.

The Steelers will get a shot at the 4-1 Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. If they can take down the division leaders, they'll start to look like a legitimate threat.