Patriots Give Opposing Answers Regarding Controversial Call

FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots came within inches of snapping their three-game losing skid Sunday.

New England suffered a heartbreaking defeat in its matchup with the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium, as rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk had a touchdown overturned in the final minutes. Polk got both feet in bounds, but let his right heel land on the paint in the back of the end zone to have his potential game-winning catch reversed.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo was asked about the controversial ruling postgame and admitted that the referees technically got the call right.

“It was close,” Mayo said. “It was close, but it was the correct call in my opinion. I’ll have to go back and watch the film. I saw the replay live, it’s just a tough call.”

DeMario Douglas disagreed.

“I saw a touchdown,” Douglas told reporters in the locker room following the game. “It is what it is. They can’t turn it back now.”

The Patriots had other opportunities to win the game, with another incomplete pass on third down setting them up for a vital fourth down that was pushed back due to a false start penalty. The Dolphins went three-and-out on their following possession, but despite decent field position on the final possession, time just wasn’t on the home team’s side.

Mayo surely will walk his team through the rule in the coming days, though many of them already are aware. Kendrick Bourne described the ruling as “tough” following the game, but looked at it as a learning experience for Polk and other young wideouts.

New England seems to be undergoing lots of those this season, with no end in sight.