Patriots
Patriots rookie receiver Jalynn Polk said he received no explanation from officials as to why his go-ahead touchdown was overturned in the ultimate minutes of New England's 15-10 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.
Officials initially ruled Polk's catch a touchdown, but reversed the choice after a review. NFL receivers must get each feet infield to make a catch, and Polk appeared to step on the out-of-bounds line. According to NFL rules, a player is ejected from the sector of play if any a part of the foot leaves the sector of play through the movement of a traditional continuous step.
Polk believes he had each feet in, but said he could have done more earlier in the sport to maintain the Patriots out of that situation.
“It’s clear to see that you have both feet in,” Polk said. “But we won’t be in this situation if I do my job the whole game.”
Convinced it was a touchdown, Polk went over after the sport to have a good time with the fans.
“There was a lot of emotion trying to get everyone going and in the mood,” Polk said. “Those are things – big plays in a big moment – that we all look forward to for this team, to win games. “I just feel like there was numerous excitement and energy in-built that play. I knew I had it, but we’ve to improve.”
The catch would have been Polk's second profession touchdown and first game-winner within the NFL. He finished Sunday with one catch for 13 yards on six targets.
“It was hard. It looked like his feet were in there,” receiver Kendrick Bourne said. “I don’t know, man. It's just rough. I felt bad for Polk because it would have been exciting for him to have a winner so early in his career, but everything is a learning experience. He’ll learn from it and get better.”
DeMario Douglas said one word when asked for his opinion on the play.
“Touchdown,” Douglas said.
The Patriots didn't have time to think concerning the call. They had three more snaps on that drive, which ended with two more incomplete passes and a penalty that resulted in New England turning the ball over on downs.
“You still have to have the next-play mentality,” Douglas said. “That's the thing. I thought we did it, but we have to go out and play.”
Coach Jerod Mayo said he believed the referees made the appropriate decision.
“Look, you can ask the referees about it,” Mayo said. “It was close. It was close. But in my opinion it was the right decision but I have to go back and watch the film. I saw the replay live. Just a difficult decision.”
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