Oct 31, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA;New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (left) throws a pass while pressured by Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Mac Jones stayed in the game after a personal foul call that ranked among the most ridiculous seen in the NFL in recent memory.
If you were in any doubt the NFL is serious about protecting quarterbacks, that should have been removed emphatically as the New England Patriots benefited from a call that redefined unnecessary roughness.
As Mac Jones scrambled for six yards on third down in the second quarter, Los Angeles Chargers safety Alohi Gilman reached out his left arm to touch Jones down as he went to the ground.
Gilman made light contact with Jones’ head as he did so, drawing one of the most ridiculous flags in recent memory as the Patriots were awarded 15 extra yards from the penalty.
Patriots: Mac Jones lucks out on bad call
Jones was somehow able to shake off that blow and lead the Patriots down to the Chargers’ one-yard line, but Los Angeles likely felt justice was done as New England proved unable to get the ball into the end zone, turning it over on downs.
Officiating is a difficult job and the NFL’s rulebook contains some notoriously subjective interpretations.
However, in a game that could have crucial ramifications in the AFC playoff race referees need to show more composure and common sense in the heat of the moment to ensure absurd penalties do not have a decisive impact.
In this instance, the Chargers’ goal-line stand made sure the penalty against Gilman did not result in points. Perhaps that is more evidence a franchise many have long since viewed as cursed is finally moving on to brighter days.
The Patriots failed to cash in, but maybe they should just be thankful Jones was ok.