The New England Patriots are known for their clever way of essentially finding loopholes in the NFL rule book. Just ask the Baltimore Ravens.
Their latest victims were the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were called for a false start on third-and-goal on the Patriots’ 1-yard line during the fourth quarter of New England’s 28-21 win Thursday night. Left tackle Kelvin Beachum and left guard Ramon Foster moved when New England’s defensive line shifted during Ben Roethlisberger’s snap count.
The Pittsburgh quarterback wasn’t happy, but Foster confirmed the Steelers saw the shift on film and were told it’s legal as long as the Patriots don’t cross the line of scrimmage (which it is, and they didn’t).
“They time it up in the cadence,” Foster told USA TODAY Sports. “Yeah, that’s one of the things they do. Welcome to Foxboro.”
Pittsburgh had to settle for a field goal after the penalty to keep New England up 21-14. And Foster added that some people probably are just making a fuss because of whom the Steelers were playing.
“I think it’s more heightened because it’s (the Patriots) and it looks like — whatever the case may be,” Foster said. “They’re a team that likes to take advantage of those type of situations, and we can’t give that to them.”
Ultimately, though Foster said it’s on his team not to make that mistake.
“Kudos for them for thinking of that and making it happen in that situation,” Foster said. “I can’t be mad. That’s on us. We can’t false start.”
Thumbnail photo via RVR Photos/USA TODAY Sports Images
