There are assuredly bigger fish to fry for the Jacksonville Jaguars as they contend with Trevor Lawrence’s ankle injury. But a non-interference call from Monday night’s 34-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals still can’t be forgotten.
Late in the first quarter, Lawrence launched a downfield pass to Calvin Ridley. Cincinnati cornerback Jordan Battle went to contest the pass but did so while draping himself all over the receiver and literally covering Ridley’s eyes. I suppose that technically blocking a pass-catcher’s eyes is a bit of a grey area, but in this case — it definitely seemed like surefire interference.
Unfortunately for the Jaguars, no penalty would be called.
When Troy Aikman assessed the call on replay, he ironically said he didn’t “see a whole lot there.” Hmm, how convenient, because Ridley couldn’t see anything either!
This was called a "bang bang" play instead of pass interference… #CINvsJAX pic.twitter.com/YXEkhbRDCn
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) December 5, 2023
I know this wasn’t Aikman’s intent, but I would’ve probably found a different way to assess a call by the refs, knowing the receiver had his eyesight blocked.