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JJ Watt calls out NFL referees after multiple questionable calls

DSprofileby:Dustin Schutte•10/16/23•

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jj watt
Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Even though JJ Watt isn’t putting on a jersey anymore, he still has some frustrations with the NFL. He seemed to take exception with a roughing the passer call issued against the New York Giants in the Sunday Night Football game against the Buffalo Bills.

During Sunday’s game, Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke was flagged for roughing the passer on Josh Allen. Watt quote-tweeted the video and called out the league and officiating.

“Lack of accountability for refs is infuriating for players because they don’t receive the same leniency,” Watt said on X. “Players get flagged, fined & can potentially win/lose games on erroneous calls.

“Refs get ‘corrected’ privately after the fact and ‘may’ lose out on postseason opportunities.”

To be fair, that did appear to be a pretty weak call. Okereke made contact as Allen was releasing the football and didn’t do anything egregious on the play. The official should have kept the flag in his pocket.

As a former defensive player, Watt might possess a slightly biased angle. But in this regard, the future Hall of Famer provided spot-on analysis. Sometimes, officials make mistakes. They still should be held accountable, though.

Buffalo went on to defeat New York 14-9.

Fight breaks out in Bills-Giants game

Things between the Bills and Giants got chippy in Buffalo on Sunday night. Late in the third quarter, a large fight broke out near the end zone between the two teams.

Players from both sides got into a scuffle following a three-yard run from Bills running back Latavius Murray. After the play, it appeared that a few got tangled up … then all hell broke loose.

Some involved in the fight included Kayvon Thibodeaux, Dexter Lawrence, Leonard Williams (Giants), Dion Dawkins and even Josh Allen (Bills). Below is video from the skirmish:

We have to give it up to Allen, willing to go toe-to-toe in the fight. Near the end of the clip, he throws a shoulder into an opponent. That’s probably not the smartest move for a starting quarterback in the NFL, but we admire his toughness.

Although three players from New York were whistled for unnecessary roughness and just one from Buffalo was flagged, the penalties were offsetting. And, turns out, the Bills got the best of the Giants.

Buffalo scored three players on a three-yard pass from Allen to Deonte Hardy to give the Bills a 7-6 lead in the fourth quarter.

There’s a good chance the league reviews this spat from Sunday night and potentially issues some fines.