Because it’s comically terrible like New England Patriots They were at times in 2022, in control of their own destiny in the final two weeks ago. It’s simple – if the Pats win, they’re in the postseason. Their quest to do so began today with Miami Dolphin Visit Foxboro.
Things didn’t get off to a hot start for New England as they were completely screwed up by the umpires right off the bat. Raheem Mostert received his first carry on the second play of the game and was hit by Ja’Whuan Bentley before the Jabrill Peppers flew out and forced an apparent fumble. But the umpires waved the game over and said Mostert’s progress was stopped. Which, when replayed, is not true at all in any way.
The Patriots made a fumble and recovered…but the umpires said the right winger’s forward advance was stalled. I burst out laughing! Where was that call last week?! pic.twitter.com/0ik9leF7je
– 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪 @ 𝗙𝗧𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱𝟳 (@FTBeard7) January 1, 2023
While gloating that this happened one week after the Patriots lost to the Bengals in part because of yet another surprise lead call is undoubtedly amusing to everyone outside of New England, no one can deny that this is an absolutely horrible call. Mostert is not concluded. He wasn’t moving back. He wasn’t even stumbling sideways. He was clearly moving forward! No generous explanation of what the forward rule is supposed to mean can save the officials here.
Perhaps the worst call of the year in terms of how obviously wrong it was right away.
