How did Jaguars coach Doug Marrone not challenge the spot on this LeSean McCoy first down?
It sure looked like LeSean McCoy was well short, and nobody had a better look at it than Doug Marrone.
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone had the best angle in all of EverBank Field for a LeSean McCoy run that appeared to be stopped short of the line to gain by linebacker Myles Jack.
Instead, the line judge gave the Buffalo Bills a generous spot that resulted in a first down.
It’s a tough angle for the official to make the call, but the real question is how Marrone watched the play from his vantage point and chose not to challenge?
He didn’t have much time to make the decision with the Bills rushing to the line to run another play, but how much time did he need? It was right in front of him and clearly appeared short.
Marrone apparently learned his lesson and was a little quicker to throw his challenge flag later in the second half when he challenged that a Bills receiver was out of bounds before making a crucial first-down reception. It worked out for the Jaguars and helped force a punt.
It hasn’t been the best weekend for NFL officials, who received plenty of criticism for their handling of a few situations Saturday. But the play ultimately cost the Jaguars just five yards with the defense able to force a punt a few plays later.