Ex-NFL Ref Sides With Patriots On Controversial Marcus Jones Play
Was it an interception or a catch?
Many Patriots fans believe the officials messed up on their handling of last Sunday’s controversial play involving Marcus Jones and Khalil Shakir, but how do actual NFL referees feel about it?
Well, one prominent former official believes New England got screwed — sort of.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen targeted Shakir on a crucial fourth-down play late in Buffalo’s eventual victory at Gillette Stadium. Jones and Shakir seemingly caught the ball at the same time, with the Patriots cornerback quickly emerging with the ball. However, the officials both ruled it a catch for Shakir and flagged Jones for defensive pass interference, an outcome widely panned by Patriots players and head coach Mike Vrabel.
While appearing on Sirius XM NFL this week, former NFL referee and current FOX Sports rules analyst Dean Blandino offered his two cents.
“I thought it was more of an interception,” Blandino said, as transcribed by ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “It wouldn’t have mattered because they threw pass interference anyway.”
Blandino didn’t reveal whether he believes the officials were justified in calling defensive pass interference. However, many believe Jones’ actions were borderline and should’ve been ignored given the situation and competitive and physical nature of the game to that point.
Regardless, the Patriots deserved to lose and now must wait until Week 17 at the earliest for a chance to clinch the AFC East. They could clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday night.
