Back to the New England Patriots Newsfeed

Referee explains controversial decision to pick up flag after seemingly late hit against Mac Jones

Late in the second quarter of their Week 16 matchup with the Buffalo Bills, the New England Patriots were in a position to cut into their 17-7 deficit at the time the team had reached its 47-yard line, and Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes was just flagged after taking quarterback Mac Jones down out of bounds.

The likely unnecessary roughness call that was to follow would have added 15 yards and given the Patriots a new set of downs at the Buffalo 38. With 1:22 left in the game, there would have been plenty of time left to score a touchdown or at least a field goal.