Inadvertent Whistle on Danny Amendola Reception Probably Cost the Patriots Seven Points

Danny Amendola caught a pass on first and 10 from the Patriots 31, and may have had a clear path toward the endzone. But, the whistle blew, even though there was nothing that should have ended the play. The referees admitted the whistle was inadvertent, and also flagged Rex Ryan for being too close to the field.

ESPN officiating commentator Gerry Austin said based on when the whistle was inadvertently blown — which appeared to be while the pass was still in the air — the play actually should have been done over. If it had been blown after Amendola’s catch, then the result that happened would’ve been the correct ruling. Nevertheless, the cumulative gain of 29 yards paled in comparison to what Amendola would have picked up.

The drive would eventually stall, and Stephen Gostkowski missed a 54-yard field goal. If the Bills win this game, everybody will be talking about that whistle tomorrow.

PS – Belichick emphatically shushing the booing crowd was great: