Referees Missed Blatantly Obvious Texans Penalty Against Patriots

The Patriots played poorly Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium, but the officiating didn’t do New England any favors in Week 6 either.

Jerod Mayo’s side was the victim of a very, very questionable defensive pass interference penalty on Houston’s first drive of the contest, which paved the way for the Texans’ game-opening touchdown. The second half in Foxboro, Mass., opened up with another dose of poor officiating, but this time around, a lack of laundry on the field was the head-scratcher.

The Patriots opened the third quarter with a handoff to Antonio Gibson, who had his facemask nearly ripped off his helmet by Mario Edwards. Gibson’s head practically did a 180, but the referees somehow didn’t blow their whistles or throw their flags. And to make matters worse for New England, Drake Maye gave away possession on a strip sack on the following play.

All told, it was a largely maddening afternoon for the Patriots and their fans.