In a critical AFC South matchup between the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL fans voiced their concerns and criticism over the officiating during the close game.
Questionable Calls Made in Houston Texans-Jacksonville Jaguars Matchup
In a game that came down to a missed field goal, there were definitely some questionable calls made by the officials. The Jaguars and Texans were playing for control of the AFC South, and there was absolutely no room for error by the refs.
With 11:57 left in the third quarter, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw what was ruled an interception by Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. A no-call came as Houston safety Jalen Pitre was pretty clearly holding Jacksonville tight end Evan Engram.
The Jaguars had a 13-7 lead at that point, but the Texans used that opportunity to score their second touchdown of the day on a C.J. Stroud scramble.
Unforgivable no call. There has to be accountability for missed calls like this. #Jaguars #Jags pic.twitter.com/JoAhD29xZT
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) November 26, 2023
On Jacksonville’s ensuing drive, which ended in a one-yard touchdown pass from Lawrence to receiver Calvin Ridley, the officiating crew called two pass-interference penalties on the Texans.
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Texans beat writer Aaron Wilson said, “Fans have been booing officials loudly with series of defensive pass interference penalties called against the Texans.”
“Some of the calls were ticky-tacky,” he added.
In the matchup, the refs called 13 total penalties for 84 total yards. The Jaguars had six flags for 35 yards and the Texans had seven flags for 48 yards.
This game just doesn’t sit right with me. All day long horrible officiating
— Nick Schwager (@NickSchwagerNFL) November 26, 2023
“Alright I think at this point the refs are just guessing on both sides as to what pass interference is,” one fan said on social media.
This officiating has been terrible for all. There is no winner, here. It’s bad. Texans fans can be pissed. Jaguars fans can be pissed,” another said.
The Texans came into their Sunday matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars riding a three-game winning streak, each of which was made possible by late-game heroics from rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Houston is a surprising contender in the 2023 NFL playoff race thanks to Stroud. The No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft has been a strong building block for the team and has the Texans in contention.
But, after the loss, the Texans have moved to 6-5, and the Jaguars took a more commanding lead in the AFC South.
It appeared Houston would have the chance to take home the win at the last minute, but their drive came up short and resulted in a missed field goal from backup kicker Matt Ammendola from 58 yards out.
In the matchup, Stroud completed 26 of 36 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for a team-high 47 yards on six carries with another score.
For the Jaguars, Trevor Lawrence completed 60.5% of his passes for 364 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
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