The New England Patriots have officially clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2021. However, the momentous occasion didn't come without a fair share of drama.
New England's 28-24 Sunday Night Football victory over the Baltimore Ravens came down to the final moments. Patriots second-year quarterback Drake Maye stole the show, illustrating why he's among the 2025 MVP frontrunners, punctuated by a nine-play, 89-yard game-winning touchdown drive. His tremendous efforts were even enough to overcome an egregious officiating blunder that briefly swung the outcome in Baltimore's favor.
Ravens standout cornerback Marlon Humphrey got away with what appeared to be a blatant defensive pass intereference (DPI) penalty on Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. It happened late in the contest when New England was trying to mount an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit, only adding to the controversy.
This one instance will presumably get lost in the lore of the NFL, especially because justice (and New England) ultimately prevailed. Nevertheless, it was a clear oversight that could've altered the AFC playoff postseason picture and Super Bowl LX race at large, which deserves attention.
NFL's glaring officiating problem exposed in Patriots-Ravens SNF duel
No harm, no foul. Right? The referees don't need to be held accountable because the Patriots managed to defeat Baltimore despite their glaring error.
Nope. Losing to Baltimore would've put the Buffalo Bills one step closer to supplanting the Patriots atop the AFC East standings. Conversely, the Ravens needed to take down New England to preserve their chances of punching a ticket to the big dance.
In other words, a triumphant visit to Baltimore may be the difference between the Patriots securing home-field advantage or not. Not only this, but the No. 1 seed and a bye are within reach following the result and the Denver Broncos falling in Week 16.
Players are held to the highest standard under the brightest of lights. We don't hesitate to highlight their mistakes; why shouldn't those calling the games should also be expected to do the same?
A DPI happens when "any act by a player more than one yard beyond the line of scrimmage significantly hinders an eligible player's opportunity to catch the ball." That comes straight from the horse's mouth, AKA the league rulebook.