Longtime NFL Referee Reacts To Controversial Patriots Call

DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 23: A detail of an NFL referee’s uniform and whistle as he oversees action between the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 23 September 2012 in Denver, Colorado. The Texans beat the Broncos 31-25. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Miami Dolphins appeared to take an early break in Sunday’s deciding game against the New England Patriots.

Running back Raheem Mostert coughed up the football in Miami’s opener, and a New England defender escaped the pile with possession. However, the referees ruled Mostert out by contact.

These parts are generally not revisable. However, former NFL official Gene Steratore said they could have checked out the replay.

“Progress was judged too quickly, but this specific case is reviewable,” Steratore said on Twitter. “Given the ball broke away after immediate contact and there was a clear recovery, I think the replay would have knocked down and awarded the ball to New England.”

Recovering the fumble would have given the Patriots great field position, but instead they got the ball back to their own 19 after the Dolphins punted. Mac Jones nonetheless led the offense to a 10-play drive culminating with a touchdown pass to rookie Tyquan Thornton.

The Dolphins, playing without Tua Tagovailoa, tied the game at 7-7 in the second quarter. New England could find themselves tied with Miami for the final wildcard spot in the AFC by winning at home.