After a high scoring and thrilling game against the Seattle Seahawks, the New England Patriots lost for the second time this season dropping their record to 7-2. This loss drops them from leading the playoff picture and are now tied with Kansas City and Oakland for first place in the AFC. There were many reasons for this devastating loss, lets get started.
1. Dion Lewis did not Make his Expected Return
Dion Lewis is a running back for the Patriots. Last year he was having the season of his career when in Week 9 against the Redskins it changed forever. On a play, he tore his ACL rendering him useless for the rest of the season. Even though he only had 234 rushing yards on the season so far, he was a dynamic and multidimensional running back meaning not only could he run the football but also pass block and act as a receiver. His ability to extend plays and fight for extra yards was an ability that New England expected to be returned. A few days before Sunday Night’s game, he was taken off the PUP list, PUP meaning Physically Unable to Perform. His return was much anticipated but about an hour before the game, head coach Bill Belichick gave the New England fans devastating news that Lewis’ return would have to wait.
2. Julian Edelman “Fumbled” the Football in the 4th Quarter
With eight minutes to go in the 4th quarter on 2nd down, Brady threw a bullet to favorite target Edelman beyond the first line marker. A few seconds later forward progress was obviously stopped but the officials did not blow the play dead resulting in Kam Chancellor stripping the football out and recovered by Richard Sherman. Additionally, Kam Chancellor clearly pulled Edelman down by his facemask, a penalty that results in 15 yards and has also resulted in some fines by the offenders.This led to a Seahawks touchdown giving Seattle a 31-24 lead. A referee can make up to $200,000 a year as much as a well educated person, but fail to officiate when it matters most.
3. Kam Chancellor suited up to Play
Safety Kam Chancellor made his return for the Seattle Seahawks against the Patriots. He played a critical row in making a third down run by Legarrette Blount leading to the controversial play at the end of the game. Furthermore, Chancellor was the guilty party in committing the pass interference that went unnoticed by the officials. Kam made a significant impact in this down to the wire game, and was a key factor and contributor to the Patriots’ loss.
4. Referees where to Busy with Gronkowski Match-up they didn’t notice the Clear Hold on Fullback James Develin
As the Final play on the Patriots offense unfolded, everyone was focused on the Gronkowski matchup, including the referees. As a result a clear hold on FB Develin was not called. This would’ve resulted in a half a distance to the goal penalty and a fresh set of downs for Brady and the Patriots offense. More than likely, the game would’ve gone into overtime and ended in a less controversial way.
5. Pass Interference at the End of the Game was not Called
This was the key moment at the end of the game. The Patriots were down 24-31 on the Seahawks 1-yard line.(Sound familiar Seattle Fans) It was fourth down, so naturally the Patriots were going to go to their man, the monster All-Pro Tight End, Rob Gronkowski. Safety Kam Chancellor was put to cover him. Tom Brady lobbed one into the end zone and Chancellor grabs him as the ball sails over him. The call was obvious but the referees wrongfully said it was fair play therefore turning the ball over to Seattle and stealing the game from us.
Sources
http://www.nfl.com/player/dionlewis/2495469/profile
New England Patriots 