How the Patriots responded to Polk’s game-winning touchdown being overturned

Patriots

Officials initially ruled Polk’s catch a touchdown, but reversed the decision after a review.

Patriots rookie receiver Jalynn Polk said he received no explanation from officials as to why his go-ahead touchdown was overturned in the closing minutes of New England’s 15-10 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Officials initially ruled Polk’s catch a touchdown, but reversed the decision after a review. NFL receivers have to get both feet downfield 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 field of play if any part of the foot leaves the field of play during the movement of a normal continuous step.

Polk believes he had both feet in, but said he could have done more earlier in the game to keep the Patriots out of this 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 game to celebrate 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 a lot of excitement and energy built in that play. I knew I had it, but we have to get better.”

The catch would have been Polk’s second career touchdown and first game-winner in 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 about 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 right 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.”