The New England Patriots lost to the New York Jets 30-27 in overtime on Sunday after referees called an obscure and ridiculous unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Pats rookie Chris Jones.
The call came on a 54-yard field goal Nick Folk missed wide to the left to keep the game tied at 27. Jones was flagged for stacking up behind his teammate and pushing one of his defensive lineman into a Jets lineman. As of a new rule created this year designed to protect players, that is an illegal play.
The 15-yard penalty allowed the Jets to retain possession and move closer for a field goal. They won the game on a 42-yard kick from Folk.
According to NFL rules guru Mike Pereira, that is the first time the penalty has been called this season.
That is correct call in NE/NYJ game. New rule this year can't push a teammate into the offensive formation on a field goal or try attempt.
— Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) October 20, 2013
Rule 913: Team B players cannot push teammates on the line of scrimmage into offensive formation.
— Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) October 20, 2013
Referees apparently had been shown examples of this rules violation and were told to start calling it. The Pats were the first victim.
“It’s my mistake. It’s all my fault,” Jones said after the loss.
Also see: Did Jets do same thing earlier in game?
