As the NFL’s attempt to expand to a global audience continues, the international games on the schedule play a major role in making that attempt a reality. Taking specific matchups all across the world, with fixtures in Brazil, London, and Ireland, just to name a few, the league is trying to draw interest from a much larger audience.
This week, it is two 4-2 teams in the form of the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Los Angeles Rams who will battle in London.
There has been a ton to like from both teams this season, with the Rams looking like a legitimate contender and the Jaguars’ defense shining as one of the best in the entire league. As the offense, too, starts to come around, this has all the makings of a wildly competitive matchup.
As a result, it should be an ideal exhibition for fans who may be taking in the game for the first time. But that also puts the onus on the NFL to make sure no controversy arises during the contest, particularly when it comes to the officiating.
Referees for Jaguars vs. Rams
Seemingly every week, the officials in any particular game are put under the wringer by the football world. With the speed and physicality on the field, unlike any other sport, it is impossible for the referees to make a correct call every single time.
But with social media, each questionable call becomes a referendum on the officiating as a whole. In Jacksonville’s case, their Week 2 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals came as a direct result of a questionable pass interference call on Travis Hunter on the game-winning drive.
Similarly, the Rams have been unlucky in not having two crystal-clear fumbles come in their favor as a result of the referees signalling the play dead. With a focused spotlight and a new fan base to win over, the league would like to avoid any such pitfalls.
As a result, they are giving the assignment to Adrian Hill, who is entering his seventh season in the league as a referee. With two teams whose defenses rank in the top 10 of PFSN’s Defense Impact, it promises to be a bruising encounter.
His crew for the season is as follows:
- Umpire: Roy Ellison
- Down Judge: Derick Bowers
- Line Judge: Julian Mapp
- Field Judge: Tra Boger
- Side Judge: Clay Reynard
- Back Judge: Greg Steed
- Replay Official: Bob Hubbell
- Replay Assistant: Durwood Manley
