The New England Patriots were tied 20-20 with the Seattle Seahawks after four quarters on Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, forcing both teams to remain on the field for an overtime period.
New England got the ball first, but after Rhamondre Stevenson was held to just two yards on two rushes and K.J. Osborn was held to seven on his lone catch of the day, the Patriots decided to punt the ball from their own 39-yard line and hope that their defense could get them the ball back or win it themselves.
On a 1st-and-10 play from their own 31-yard line Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith targeted wide receiver Tyler Lockett down the left sideline, and Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones broke up the pass. However, there was a flag thrown for defensive pass interference on Jones, moving the ball to New England's 49-yard line despite Jones pleading his case with the referees. Six plays later, Seahawks kicker Jason Myers nailed a 31-yard field goal to give his team the 23-20 victory in Week 2.
After the loss, Jones spoke to the media at his locker and explained that even Lockett believed the call was bogus.
Jonathan Jones said Tyler Lockett told him that his DPI in overtime “wasn’t a penalty.”
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) September 15, 2024
“Straight up, that’s what he told me. It sucks because I feel like that was the play of the game.” pic.twitter.com/6vk5894N17
On the broadcast, FOX color commentator and former NFL linebacker Jonathan Vilma also said he didn't understand the penalty because Jones was looking back for the ball.
New England wasn't great defending the pass throughout the game, so Seattle may have driven down the field anyway, but the call definitely helped them out.
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