3 awful calls by refs that cost the Jaguars the game

Another week, another horrible outing by NFL referees giving the Jacksonville Jaguars a clear disadvantage in a game where there was zero margin for error.

Last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers it was bad. This week against the New England Patriots, it was a major contributing factor towards the team’s loss.

FSU beat reporter Brendan Sonnone had an interesting observation:

“Jags-Patriots was the widest discrepancy in penalty yards (-88 yards, Jaguars) in an AFC Championship this millennium. Since 2000, there are only two other examples of a difference of 60+ yards in an AFC Championship. Basically, what we saw today isn’t normal.”

Neat.

Even the @NFLResearch handle got in on the trolling:

“The Patriots were called for 1 penalty against the Jaguars. It is the fewest penalties called on one team in a playoff game since the 2011 AFC Championship... when the Patriots were called for 1 penalty in a win over the Ravens.”

So let’s get to the bad calls.

Bad Call #1: A.J. Bouye pass interference?

They called this interference. They called this interference. Brandin Cooks ran a horrible route, got corralled by A.J. Bouye out of bounds, and now it’s first down just 13 yards from the end zone. Instead of going into halftime down 14-3, he scores seconds before the second quarter ends and it’s 14-10.

BONUS: Just look how happy the refs were after they scored the aforementioned touchdown.

Bad Call #2: Myles Jack called down?

Instead of a game-sealing touchdown after a forced fumble, Myles Jack is called down by contact. You tell me who made contact with Myles. Nothing but field in front of him, but instead of 27-10 it’s just Jaguars ball near midfield.

Bad Call #3: Telvin Smith held on final run play

Right in front of the referee, Telvin Smith is held clear as day. Nope, no call. Patriots already up 24-20 though, so this one is obviously a lot less impactful on the scoreline, but it’s still absolutely bogus.

Bruce Irvin ain’t fooled either, y’all.