The Oakland Raiders were nearly bailed out on a questionable penalty late in the fourth quarter on Sunday in their 16-9 loss to the New England Patriots.
Down a touchdown, Raiders rookie quarterback Derek Carr chucked it deep to wide receiver Andre Holmes with 1:08 left in the fourth quarter. There was contact between Holmes and Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan, and the side judge threw a flag.
It was unclear who was being penalized on the play since Ryan initiated contact, but Holmes threw the second-year pro to the ground.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick questioned the call Sunday in his post-game news conference.
“I had a good look at it,” Belichick said. “I’d just say I don’t know about that one.”
Belichick slightly changed his tune on Monday morning after taking a closer look at the play.
“I’d say going back and looking, they’re close plays,” Belichick said about Ryan’s pass interference and an offensive pass interference penalty earlier in the game. “I think you’d have to talk to the officiating department and the league and get a complete explanation since they were the ones who threw it. It doesn’t really matter what I think. The only thing that matters is what they call. We have to play penalty-free.”
The Raiders scored a touchdown on the next play, but it was called back because of a holding penalty. Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork clinched the game with an interception.
