Travis Hunter Called for Game-Losing Pass Interference Enrages Dave Portnoy and Fans – “This Ref Should be Fired”

Travis Hunter was scheduled to play more defensive snaps for the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Travis Hunter Called for Game-Losing Pass Interference Enrages Dave Portnoy and Fans – “This Ref Should be Fired”

A pass interference call on Travis Hunter contributed to the Jaguars' loss (Image Around the NFL/X)

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The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Travis Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick with the intention of deploying his two-way skills to lead the team to success.

In their first game against the Carolina Panthers, they saw what he could do at the receiver position but did not use him much on defense, registering just one tackle off 6 snaps.

In their second game against the Cincinnati Bengals, head coach Liam Coen decided to increase his snap counts, playing almost as much as he did on offense.

On offense, he played 42 snaps and caught 3 passes for 22 yards. While on defense, he played 39 snaps as Coen decided to use his speed to keep third-string receiver Andrei Iosivas in check.

For much of the game, that worked, as the Bengals’ wideout caught just one pass for 12 yards. All that effort helped the Jaguars stay in front with a little less than 4 minutes left in the game.

Then it was the home team’s turn to try and win despite losing star quarterback Joe Burrow to a toe injury. Backup Jake Browning used an array of short passes to drive his team 25 yards up the field.

Facing a crucial 4th and 5 situation at their own 33-yard line, Browning targeted the third year receiver again, this time with a deep ball towards the sideline.

On this play, Travis Hunter kept up with him throughout the play and then used his left hand to bat the ball down before it reached Iosivas. However, officials threw the flag and called a pass interference on the Colorado star.

This gave the Cincinnati Bengals a much-needed first down. They used that opportunity to score a touchdown, eventually winning the game 31-27.

Dave Portnoy and fans fume at costly officiating mistake on Travis Hunter

While replays of this penalty were being shown, the commentators noted that Travis Hunter did not turn his head back to track the ball before it came down within striking distance of his hands.

According to the rules, if the defender’s head is turned back, that gives him the benefit of doubt on any potential grabs or holds that he commits. However, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy and fans believe the rookie did turn his head around in time.

Replays show his eyes tracked the ball at the last moment, as he could not have perfectly placed his hand in its trajectory to pat it down. Had it bounced off his hand, the penalty would have been valid.

But Hunter clearly sees the ball in a split second and then pats it down, which should not be called a pass interference. Fuming fans reacted to this play, examples of which are below:

Had that penalty not happened, Travis Hunter would have become the hero for the Jacksonville Jaguars. They would take over on downs and effectively run down the final minutes of the game to win their second in a row. Instead, an officiating error helped to decide the game.

Travis Hunter was prepared to play more defensive snaps

After being limited to just 6 snaps in his first game, fans have been calling for the Jacksonville Jaguars to unleash Travis Hunter on defense. Those calls were heard, and he played almost as much as he did on offense. After the game, he was asked if he was prepared to play that much.

Travis Hunter looking to clean up mistakes on defense
Travis Hunter looking to clean up mistakes on defense (Image via BR Gridiron/X)

I was prepared for the moment, prepared to do my job. I just gotta make a couple more plays.

Travis Hunter replied

The 22-year-old admitted he needed to fix some mistakes and understand the nuances of playing in the NFL. But he did not specifically talk about that pass interference call.

The two-way star has the skills to be good at both positions, which could be a major benefit for the retooling franchise. Hunter and his team will look to fancy their chances back home when they face the Houston Texans.

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