Blame NBC!
If you’re a Patriots fan who wants to point the finger elsewhere after a disastrous loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, the home of “Sunday Night Football” might be a worthy target.
New England suffered a stunning defeat at Allegiant Stadium after Rhamondre Stevenson, rather than going down and sending the game to overtime, pitched an ill-advised lateral to Jakobi Meyers, who then attempted a cross-field lateral that was picked off by Chandler Jones and returned for a last-second touchdown. It was truly horrific stuff from a Patriots team that continues to look unfit for the postseason despite still having a shot at making the playoffs.
However, the inexplicable final sequence happened after the Patriots allowed Derek Carr and the Raiders offense to conduct a two-minute drive that ended with a controversial, game-tying touchdown grab by receiver Keelan Cole. Ruled a touchdown on the field, the play seemingly didn’t hold up under review, as Cole’s toes appeared to be out of bounds. But officials allowed the call to stand because there wasn’t enough evidence to make a determination either way. Had the pass been ruled incomplete, it would’ve remained incomplete after review.
Now, back to NBC.
As you might recall, the Patriots-Raiders Week 15 matchup initially was scheduled for primetime on “Sunday Night Football.” But the game was flexed into the late-afternoon slot in favor of the rematch between the New York Giants and Washington Commanders. The move wasn’t made for no reason; it was done because NBC and the NFL believed there wasn’t enough national interest in New England and Las Vegas, both of whom have been huge disappointments this season.
And, as pointed out by Football Zebras, had the game been broadcast on NBC, replay officials would’ve been able to utilize a pylon camera that likely would’ve offered a clear view of whether Cole was out of bounds.
Plus, new photos of the play further indicate that Cole indeed was out of bounds.
(The tips of his cleats are black.)
With all that said, the Patriots only have themselves to blame for what transpired in Las Vegas. And it’s their own fault that they no longer are considered a primetime-worthy product.
From poor offensive play-calling to terrible quarterback play to awful special teams blunders, New England was a trainwreck on Sunday. That the Patriots still should’ve won the game probably says more about Josh McDaniels and the Raiders than anyone else.
New England now must regroup and do whatever it takes to get a victory in this Saturday’s must-win home game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
