October 7, 2025 – Jacksonville, FL

The Jaguars’ dramatic 28–24 win over the Kansas City Chiefs was supposed to be a statement victory for Trevor Lawrence and Doug Pederson’s squad. Instead, it’s become the latest flashpoint in the NFL’s ongoing officiating controversy — this time drawing sharp criticism from an unexpected voice:

Jaguars legend and NFL analyst Bucky Brooks.

Brooks, known for his measured commentary, didn’t hold back after reviewing the game film.

“I’m thrilled the Jaguars won, but let’s call it what it was — the officiating influenced this outcome,” Brooks said on NFL Network. “When penalties decide who wins and loses, it’s no longer about execution or game plan. It’s about luck — and that’s not football.”

Pass Interference Controversy on Chamarri Conner (4th Quarter, Final Drive)

With just over a minute left on the clock, the Jaguars trailed 24–21 and faced a critical third-and-7 at the Chiefs’ 23-yard line. Trevor Lawrence threw deep to rookie receiver

Brian Thomas Jr., who drew a pass interference flag on safety Chamarri Conner, resulting in a 15-yard penalty and a first-and-goal at the 1. Lawrence scored the go-ahead touchdown on the very next play.

Replay footage showed Conner making contact with Thomas before the ball arrived, but many analysts called the decision “soft” and “game-altering.”

“It was marginal at best,” The Athletic reported. “Thomas still had a legitimate chance to make the catch.”

Chiefs fans on X erupted, calling the call “criminal” and “another gift to the Jaguars”

, while Jaguars supporters defended it as “clear interference.”
Even RGIII joined the conversation, posting: “Can’t say the refs helped the Chiefs this time,” highlighting Kansas City’s 13 penalties for 109 yards

compared to Jacksonville’s 4 for 25.

Brooks didn’t mince words either.

“That call changed everything. Without it, we’re probably punting or settling for a field goal. It was too decisive for something that borderline.”

No-Call on Potential Roughing the Passer (3rd Quarter)

Earlier in the game, controversy struck again when Patrick Mahomes was hit late by Jaguars pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen right after releasing the ball. Mahomes fell hard, but no flag was thrown for

roughing the passer. The very next play? A pick-six by linebacker Devin Lloyd, swinging the momentum entirely toward Jacksonville.

Chiefs fans immediately took to social media to express outrage. One viral post from

@ChiefsKingdom called it “a missed call that cost the game,” while another argued that “the league protects every QB except Mahomes.”

ESPN’s breakdown offered a more nuanced view: the hit landed on Mahomes’ torso, not his helmet, which technically made it legal under

Rule 12, Section 2, Article 9. Still, critics pointed out the inconsistency compared to earlier games this season where softer hits drew immediate flags.

Brooks agreed with the frustration — even if it meant questioning his own team’s advantage.

“That was a borderline roughing call. If we’re being fair, Mahomes deserved that flag. And if the shoe were on the other foot, Jaguars fans would’ve gone ballistic.”

As the NFL reviews both sequences, speculation is growing that

Shawn Hochuli’s officiating crew, which managed the game, may face internal discipline — particularly after a series of “imaginary calls” and “selective enforcement” controversies this season.

Brooks concluded his remarks with a message that resonated across the league:

“I love this team, I love this city, but the NFL can’t keep hiding behind the whistle. A win should feel earned, not granted.”

For many fans — especially in Kansas City — that whistle still rings a little too loud.