Controversial Pass Interference Call on Travis Hunter Secures Bengals Win, Igniting Outcry

Controversial Call Costs Jaguars in Loss to Bengals; Portnoy Erupts

A late pass interference penalty against Travis Hunter proved costly for the Jacksonville Jaguars, contributing to their 31-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The controversial call sparked outrage, including a scathing reaction from Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy.

The Controversial Pass Interference Call

With 1:54 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Jaguars leading, Hunter, playing cornerback, knocked down a pass from Jake Browning intended for Andrei Iosivas on fourth-and-5. Despite what appeared to be a clean play, a 25-yard pass interference penalty was called against Hunter, giving the Bengals a fresh set of downs at the Jaguars' 37-yard line. The Bengals subsequently drove down the field and scored the game-winning touchdown.

"I can’t leave it up to the ref; I just have to do my job and put myself in a better position," Hunter said regarding the penalty, via the Jaguars’ official website.

Dave Portnoy's Outburst

Dave Portnoy, known for his passionate reactions, didn't hold back his feelings about the call. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his anger, calling the penalty "ridiculous" and "disgusting." He argued that referees shouldn't determine the outcome of games with such calls, especially on crucial fourth-down plays. Portnoy lauded Hunter's "absolutely perfect defense" and called for the referee's suspension.

"This is absolutely insane," Portnoy said. "He looks back, deflects the ball away, he’s playing pattycake with his other hand. It’s how you teach it, this is how you teach it! Absolutely perfect defense from Travis Hunter, you throw a flag on fourth-and-5, this is disgusting, absolutely disgusting football!"

Hunter's Increased Role and Coach's Perspective

Despite the penalty, Hunter, the Jaguars' No. 2 overall pick, played a significant role in the game, seeing increased action on defense due to an injury to Jarrian Jones. He played 39 snaps on offense and 42 on defense, a notable increase from his Week 1 performance. Jaguars offensive coordinator Liam Coen commented that he wanted the Bengals to "earn it" and that the Jaguars would not let this call be the deciding factor of the team.

Bengals' Victory and Joe Burrow's Injury

The Bengals' victory moved them to 2-0, while the Jaguars fell to 1-1. However, Cincinnati faces a significant challenge moving forward as starting quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury and is expected to be sidelined for at least three months, requiring surgery.