Jets' Todd Bowles rips refs after OT loss to Packers: 'Thought we were playing two teams'

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Jets made several inexcusable mistakes as they collapsed and lost to the Packers, 44-38, on Sunday. 

But the referees didn't do them any favors. And coach Todd Bowles made it clear that he wasn't happy with several questionable late-game calls. 

"We can't play two teams," Bowles said. "It was one of those games. I haven't seen one like that in my 18, 19 years in the league. ... I thought we were playing two teams -- I thought we were playing the Packers and the striped shirts."

The Jets were flagged for 16 penalties for a total of 172 yards in the loss.

Bowles, who was visibly angry after the Jets blew their third fourth-quarter lead in the last four games, doesn't usually criticize the officiating. But in the aftermath of Sunday's game, the embattled coach let loose

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"That's how bad it was," Bowles said. "I'm sure I'm getting fined already, so I care not to even say anymore. But something's got to be done about that. That's ridiculous." 

The Jets were called for three penalties in overtime -- when Aaron Rodgers led the Packers on the game winning drive -- and three more on a Green Bay fourth-quarter scoring drive that pulled the Packers within one possession.

They were also called for a penalty on a two-point conversion late in regulation in which Rodgers threw an interception on a two point conversion that was returned by Jets cornerback Darryl Roberts for a touchdown. That would have been a game-winning two-point conversion for the Jets. But it was called back for holding. 

One of the most questionable calls was a pass interference in overtime, when cornerback Trumaine Johnson was flagged while defending receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. It appeared that both players were jockeying for position and shoving each other, but Johnson was flagged for the penalty.

"I thought it was a bad call as I did quite a few other calls."

We don't know how Johnson felt about the call. The man who signed a five-year, $72.5 million deal as a free agent in March blew past reporters without taking questions, leaving his teammates to answer questions about the call and another fourth-quarter meltdown. 

One call Bowles didn't have a problem with: Leonard Williams' ejection in the second quarter for throwing a punch at Packers offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga.

"You can't throw a punch, obviously," Bowles said.