Dolphins think Patriots lined up illegally on FG block

The New England Patriots got off to a tremendous start against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday when they blocked a field goal and returned it for a touchdown. According to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, the Dolphins believe New England should have been flagged for an illegal formation on the play.

As Volin explained, the Dolphins believe linebacker Jamie Collins had his feet within the feet of two Patriots defensive linemen, which would technically make him a seventh lineman on the right side.

Fins believe Pats had an illegal formation w/ 7 on LOS on right side. Collins' feet appear to be within the DLs feet pic.twitter.com/OxMqEPBMTJ

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) December 15, 2014

Collins’ body was clearly back further, but it is possible he had his right foot even with the linemen.

But his R foot might be within the DL’s feet. That’s what matters RT @PP_Rich_Hill: @BenVolin Collins is off the line pic.twitter.com/Ps97HidFND

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) December 15, 2014

The broadcasters said during the telecast that the Dolphins were furious on the sideline after the blocked field goal, and this explains why.

Would the Dolphins have converted the field goal if Collins didn’t have his right foot forward? I guess we’ll never know. Would Miami have beaten the Patriots if Collins didn’t have his right foot forward? I highly, highly doubt it.