Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles' Jason Kelce shares refreshing take on fans blaming officials for losses

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 11/16/22

Philadelphia Eagles fans everywhere were irate on Monday night after several controversial calls went against the Birds, leading to a 32-21 loss against the Washington Commanders, ending their bid for an undefeated season.

Following the tough loss, Eagles' All-Pro center Jason Kelce didn't blame the guys in stripes. In fact, he believes anyone who does has a "losers' mentality." He laid out why on this week's "New Heights" podcast alongside brother and Kansas City Chiefs star TE Travis Kelce.

"I cannot stand people blaming referees," Kelce said. "We had so many opportunities to win that football game that we didn't take care of."

You won't catch @JasonKelce blaming the refs for the Eagles first loss

New episode with Jason and @tkelce breaking down all the Week 10 action out now: https://t.co/7EBoyKv83E pic.twitter.com/JmDJ4RNy7M
— New Heights (@newheightshow) November 16, 2022

Kelce mentioned how replay and high-definition make it "apparent" when refs don't make the right call adding that as a player, you have to know they aren't going to be perfect.

"In the moment, you're going to be pissed off," Kelce said. "But the reality is, there's so many other moments in the game."

The call that drew the ire of fans the most on Monday night was a roughing-the-passer penalty against Eagles' DE Brandon Graham, which essentially ended the game.

A roughing penalty is called on Brandon Graham pic.twitter.com/A4zeDuoYmI
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) November 15, 2022

Graham made contact with Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke after referees had ruled he had given himself up. Instead of having to punt the ball away to the Eagles with 1:45 to go, leading 26-21, Washington received a fresh set of downs and bled down the clock.

Graham later took responsibility for the penalty, telling reporters this week, "I own that one. That's on me."

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