The NFL taunting penalties are adding up, testing the patience of the fans. The purpose of the taunting penalty, if at all required, should have been to clamp down on celebrations that show bad sportsmanship. However, the current NFL taunting penalties seem to be clamping down on anything related to mild exuberance or laying down a marker to the opposing team on the field. In this article, we look at some of the most horrendous NFL taunting penalties of the 2021 season.#1 - Cassius Marsh, Chicago Bears versus Pittsburgh SteelersThe most recent NFL taunting penalty might just be the most outrageous overzealousness seen on the part of the officials. After sacking Ben Roethlisberger, all Cassius Marsh did was stare at the Pittsburgh Steelers players who were coming onto the pitch. No words were exchanged, no insults were thrown. Yet a flag was raised and instead of the sack leading to a turnover, it led to an automatic first down for the the Pittsburgh Steelers late in the game that they would go on to win by two points. This is how the NFL justified it.Sportskeeda Pro Football@SKProFootballThe #NFL’s explanation on the Cassius Marsh taunting penalty9:30 PM · Nov 10, 20218The #NFL’s explanation on the Cassius Marsh taunting penalty https://t.co/fbOLAGSPuv#2 - Mike Edwards, Tampa Bay Buccaneers versus Atlanta FalconsMike Edwards had a pass deflection and caught an interception. He then ran into the endzone pursued by his teammates. The pick six should have been the highlight of his game. Instead, for daring to turn around and celebrate with his teammates as he crossed into the endzone, his name got added to the list of NFL taunting penalties.Keaton@BogosianorrisMike Edwards got a taunting penalty for*checks notes*Running backwards into the endzone03:11 AM · Sep 20, 2021374Mike Edwards got a taunting penalty for*checks notes*Running backwards into the endzone https://t.co/3Njsbq5SYI#3 - Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders versus Los Angeles ChargersDarren Waller made the crucial mistake of taunting the turf. While looking at no one in particular, he spiked the ball. However, because he was in the general vicinity of opposition players, somehow this got classified among NFL taunting penalties.Alex Micheletti@AlexMichelettiSeriously how is this taunting by Darren Waller??!05:49 AM · Oct 5, 202191Seriously how is this taunting by Darren Waller??! https://t.co/JcZRNJqMoU#4 - Jordan Akins, Houston Texans versus Cleveland BrownsJordan Akins must have been pumped to get the first reception of Davis Mills' career. However, he committed the cardinal sin of throwing the ball to the turn surrounded by Cleveland Browns players on the sideline near him. He was neither antagonistic towards anybody, nor did he direct his actions at anyone. It was still sufficient to be added to the list of NFL taunting penalties.Rivers McCown@riversmccownJordan Akins snags the first completion of Davis Mills' career11:08 PM · Sep 19, 2021121Jordan Akins snags the first completion of Davis Mills' career https://t.co/shPLgRIWzh#5 - Elijhaa Penny, New York Giants versus Kansas City ChiefsThe game was tied at 17-17 in the fourth quarter and Elijhaa Penny had just got a first down. He did not even celebrate. Rather, as is customary throughout the league, he pointed his hands forward, mimicking the motion of the first down signal. Because some Chiefs players were standing that way, he earned himself one of the NFL taunting penalties.PFF@PFFThis was called for taunting 🤦‍♂️ 07:01 AM · Nov 2, 20216221310This was called for taunting 🤦‍♂️ https://t.co/FHVLsndbPUAlso Read: What are the terms of Ben Roethlisberger's contract?