An NFL referee is facing heavy criticism online after a controversial moment during the Patriots’ comeback win over the Ravens sparked outrage among fans.
New England stunned Baltimore with a 28–24 comeback victory, but one specific play late in the game has become a major talking point — not because of what the players did, but because of what the official appeared not to see.
Questionable Flag During Key Patriots Drive
The play in question occurred when rookie quarterback Drake Maye broke the pocket and fired a short pass to wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. Boutte made the catch, but the moment was immediately overshadowed when a flag came flying in.
Officials assessed offensive pass interference on Boutte, wiping out the gain and stopping the momentum of the drive.
Video Sparks Backlash
What set social media on fire wasn’t just the call itself — it was the replay.
Video circulating online appears to show the referee who threw the flag not even looking directly at the play when the contact occurred. Despite that, the flag was still thrown, leading fans to question how the call was made in the first place.
Within minutes, clips of the moment spread across X and other platforms, with viewers accusing the official of making the call without a clear view.
Fans Demand Answers
NFL fans were quick to voice their frustration, especially given how pivotal the play could have been in a tight game.
“How do you throw a flag when you aren’t even watching?” one viewer wrote.
Others pointed out that moments like this continue to fuel concerns about consistency and accountability in NFL officiating, particularly during high-leverage situations.
Game Still Ends In Patriots Comeback
Despite the controversial call, the Patriots ultimately completed the comeback, holding off Baltimore to secure the win. Still, the flag remains one of the most discussed moments from the game, with many arguing it could have dramatically changed the outcome had things gone differently.
As of now, the league has not publicly addressed the play or the official’s actions.
“Interesting observation. Ultimately inconsequential to the game. But the official clearly didn’t really see a foul and then threw a flag well after the contact. With trust eroding in officiating, this is a flag you probably don’t want to be throwing,” a fan said on X.
Marlon Humphrey was part of quite a few notable plays on this night. In the first quarter, he picked off Drake Maye after the entire Patriots offensive line just gave up. The Ravens tried their best, given that Lamar Jackson exited this game with a back injury.
Luckily for the Patriots, they would get a first down after that penalty. They would also go on to score.
Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye Has a Sensational game Against The Ravens
Drake Maye’s special sophomore season continued in Week 16. For the first time since 2021, the Patriots are back in the playoffs. They’re going there on the back of Drake Maye’s MVP-level play.
The second-year quarterback had his first career fourth-quarter comeback on Sunday night. He also had his first career 300-yard passing game in New England’s 28-24 win.
“This winning feeling, there’s nothing like it,” Maye said after the game.
The Patriots trailed 24-13 with under 10 minutes left and turned it on when it counted. Maye went 12 for 14 for 139 yards and a touchdown and added a 16-yard run to clinch the game.
New England remains a game ahead of second-place Buffalo despite losing to the Bills last week. The Patriots still have a chance to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC and home-field advantage. Denver lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier on Sunday.
The Broncos hold the tiebreaker over the Pats. New England would need Denver to lose at least one of its final two games.
