The AFC Championship game was not without controversy, as a late non-call by the officials will have Patriots fans irked.
With the Patriots down eight and camped out at the Denver 14 yard line facing a 4th and 6, Tom Brady naturally targeted Rob Gronkowski, his favorite target, in the back of the end zone. The throw was a bit high, and Gronkowski was unable to come down with it as it was tipped away by several Denver defenders. Denver got the ball back, and despite a New England rally, the Broncos held on.
The question, however: was Gronkowski held by Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib as he was getting ready to go up for the ball?
Here's Talib "not" holding Gronk. pic.twitter.com/zS6FtTNj0D
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) January 24, 2016
Here’s a video:
Broncos stop Patriots again on 4th down. Rob Gronkowski wants a penalty on Aqib Talib pic.twitter.com/oDBYVpqYeB
— ⓂarcusD (@_MarcusD_) January 24, 2016
One thing is clear: the official was right there with a clear view of it. Gronkowski may not get calls because he’s so big and strong, or perhaps it was not adjudged to be enough for pass interference in such a big spot. Or maybe all that lobbying of the refs Denver did during the week actually played a role.
