Aaron Rodgers echoed what most fans felt about the officiating during Monday’s game between the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills.
The Bills outlasted the Jets in a hotly contested 23-20 affair at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. But the marquee matchup was marred by what felt like an excessive number of penalties called throughout the contest. There were a combined 22 flags thrown for a total of 204 yards.
Both Jets and Bills fans alike voiced their complaints about the officiating throughout the game. Rodgers did the same during his postgame press conference when asked about the calls.
Rodgers said the officiating Monday was “ridiculous” and even admitted that he felt one roughing the passer call he benefited from was flat-out wrong.
“Seemed a little ridiculous,” said Rodgers. “Some of [the penalties] seemed really bad. Including roughing the passer on me. That’s not roughing the passer.”
"Some of [the penalties] seemed really bad. Including roughing the passer on me. That's not roughing the passer. Might as well play Sarcastaball if we're gonna call those things."
–Aaron Rodgers on the penalties pic.twitter.com/veJe8hATJB
— ESPN (@espn) October 15, 2024
With the Bills leading 20-17 early in the third quarter, the Jets had 3rd-and-8 at their own 39. Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa sacked Rodgers for a seven-yard loss but was subsequently penalized for unnecessary Roughness.
This is it. The worst roughing the passer call in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/UyFsnYkLYX
— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) October 15, 2024
The Jets got an automatic first down and ended up tying the game on a field goal later in the drive.
Rodgers went 23/35 for 294 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception. But his performance wasn’t enough to overcome two missed field goal attempts from Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein.
