New York Jets: The missed call that change everything vs. Patriots

The Austin Seferian-Jenkins ‘fumble’ didn’t help, but it was a missed call at the end of the first half that changed everything for the New York Jets in Week 6.

What we remember most about things in sports is generally the last thing we see. Subsequently, the “fumble” at the end of the battle between the New England Patriots and New York Jets exemplifies that. That was a huge call that swung the tide in the favor of the Patriots late in the Week 6 game. However, that wasn’t the only mistake by the officials in that game.

Late in the first half, the Patriots had second-and-goal at the Jets 2-yard line, and they converted a touchdown from Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski. It was the play before that one that completely changed the complexion of the game going into halftime.

The game was tied at halftime, but it likely should’ve been 14-10 in favor of the Jets. On the play prior to the touchdown pass, the Jets matched up Jamal Adams one-on-one with Gronkowski, because that’s one of the reasons the Jets drafted the safety No. 6 overall. He has the ability to match up one-on-one with tight ends.

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Even though Adams covered Gronkowski well, Gronkowski almost made a touchdown grab. However, it was a clear spot where offensive pass interference should’ve been called. The call would’ve assessed the Patriots a 10-yard penalty, and it would’ve been first-and-10 from the 12-yard-line with 13 seconds to go, rather than second-and-goal from the 2-yard line.

It would’ve been much more difficult to convert 12 yards in :13 second than two yards. So, the score would’ve likely been 14-10 instead of tied at halftime, and that changes things. Even the slightest changes alter the complexion of a game.

As for the fumble, two former heads of officiating, Dean Blandino and Mike Pereira said the play with Austin Seferian-Jenkins should’ve stayed as called on the field:

With that said, even if that and the rest of the second half played out exactly the same (including that call), the score would’ve been 20-17 to start the Jets’ final drive. That changes the play-calling and the likelihood of the Jets to force overtime.

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Most people agree with Pereira and Blandino. However, a missed offensive pass interference call also looms large in this game. Both calls end up costing the Jets in the end, but the missed call in the first half was just as big — even without getting as much press.