The NFL appears to feel referees missed two flags for pass interference in last week’s game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The NFL fined Jaguars defensive tackle Adam Gotsis $7,167 for roughing the passer on a second-quarter hit on Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett, which kept Pickett out of the game.
T.J. Watt, a Steelers outside linebacker, was fined $16.391 for a hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, another hit for which no flag was called.T
The officials were a significant part of the Jaguars’ 20-10 victory, thanks in part to Pickett’s brilliance and in part to an offsides call on the Steelers that canceled a field goal before halftime.
“The right guard was lined up in the neutral zone,” according to referee Alan Eck. “His head was over the back edge of the ball, which is an offensive offside foul under the rules.” We let the play go because it’s a live ball foul, and then we mark off the 5-yard penalty and replay fourth down.”
“They was calling some stupid stuff,” Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson said after the game. “They should be fined for bad calls, making worse, terrible calls, and other such things.” That’s how angry I am. We lost the game because of them. I don’t give a damn what anyone says. They were the ones that cost us the game.”
“[The officials] were rooting for them to win, bro.” They were phoning, and everything was going their way. They were receiving every call, but it is what it is. But, as I already stated, we can’t, and I’m moving on. “I’m prepared for Thursday.”
