NFL game monotony

Tonight I was giving the NFL another try on television.  Seattle vs. Arizona seemed like a decent match up of teams that were on the cusp of having good seasons.  I was tired enough to sit back and be entertained.  The NBC network's announcers were not going to ruin the game, with Chris Collingsworth being among the most capable color guys.  He actually knows what he is talking about and rarely says anything inane.  Once again however, just as with a Jets game a few weeks ago, watching was slow torture due to the number of penalties called.  Was it just poor play or was is overzealous refereeing.  It does not really matter.  The game has a problem.