Officials cost Jaguars a fumble return with quick whistle

The refs blew it on Sunday when they missed a clear fumble by Rams wide receiver Robert Woods. The Jaguars recovered, but the play was blown dead.

It was overturned on review and ruled a fumble. But the refs stole a chance for Jacksonville to advance the ball after linebacker Telvin Smith forced the turnover.

It’s a clear fumble and recovery, and cornerback Aaron Colvin starts to run it back after he snatches the ball off the ground. But that was short-lived, because the whistle was blown and the refs had to count on instant replay to get the call right.

Getting a little closer to the end zone could have made a difference for the Jaguars. Jacksonville was trailing the Rams by 10, and it had to settle for a field goal after the fumble.