Bill Belichick throws challenge flag at Broncos T.J. Ward
With 14 minutes, 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Patriots QB Tom Brady passed for 20 yards over the middle to TE Rob Gronkowski. The Patriots held a 37-21 lead over the Broncos when Gronkowski was ruled down by contact at the Denver one yard when he was touched by Broncos S T.J. Ward.
On the continuation of the play, Rob Gronkowski had rolled into the end zone for an apparent Patriots touchdown. This was after the circus catch by the brilliant tight end. If the play had been ruled a touchdown, it would have been reviewed per NFL rule.
New England head coach, Bill Belichick immediately challenged the ruling on the field. During the delay, former referee Mike Carey who is a rules analyst for CBS Sports stated that "it is clear the receiver was down by contact at the one yard line. "
The challenge flag was a purpose flag. New England was charged with its first timeout in the second half for being unsuccessful on the challenge, but the point had clearly been illustrated.
With the ball placed at the one yard line, QB Tom Brady threw a TD pass to TE Rob Gronkowski on a slant pattern. Rob did his usual spiking of the ball by the goalposts, and New England led 43-21.
It was no surprise when Bill Belichick was seen on the sidelines flaying his arms to alert the offense to stay on the field and go for the two point conversion.
Four times the New England Patriots had a chance to go for the two point conversion prior to the fourth quarter. Taking the lead at 12-7, they kicked the extra point. At 19-7, 26-7 and 36-14, the Patriots trotted out K Stephen Gotkowski for the automatic one pointer.
Mike Cole, NESN:
“I feel bad he got hurt, you know, but that’s about it,” Ward said, according to The Boston Globe. “I’m just playing fast out there, and coincidentally, it was a bang-bang play. I think if he wouldn’t have gotten hurt, then it wouldn’t be an issue.”
Denver Broncos S T.J. Ward may have changed uniforms, but his actions from December 8, 2013 while a member of the Cleveland Browns will not be forgotten. In last year's Patriots-Browns tilt, TE Rob Gronkowski was targeted five times, catching two passes for 32 yards. The final target was the hit to his right knee ending his season.
In today's game, Rob Gronkowski was targeted 10 times, making 9 receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown. It was a nine yard pass with two minutes 15 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter that completed his work for the day.
It seemed meaningless to go over 100 yards receiving in a game that was way out of reach. With the Patriots and Bill Belichick, everything is done for a reason.
Paul Murphy is a freelance writer from New Hampshire.
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