Atlanta Falcons: Five things we learned in loss to Buccaneers

3) The refs continue to hose the Falcons

Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) and cornerback Alterraun Verner (21) react after breaking up the fourth down pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) during over time at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 23-20 in over time. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The old saying goes, you can’t put the game in the refs’ hands because if you do, then odds are you’re not going to like the outcome. I just made that up but it fits pretty well.

Over the course of the last four games, the Falcons have been on the naughty list of the NFL refs. The opposing teams have gotten nearly every call imaginable while the Falcons have not.

The Falcons had three pass interference calls called against them. One was the right call, but the other two were absolutely ridiculous.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Falcons appeared to have finally gotten a pass interference called on Tampa on a pass attempt to Justin Hardy on third-and-long in overtime but did not get the call.

The Falcons were also flagged for roughing Winston with a hit to the legs while to end the game, Ryan was hit low by Gerald McCoy but wasn’t awarded a flag.

It is what it is. You can’t put the game in the refs hands but that’s exactly what the Falcons did against the Buccaneers.