Marlon Humphrey missed pass interference call: How Patriots benefitted after obvious penalty goes uncalled vs. Ravens

Daniel Mader

•
Marlon Humphrey missed pass interference call: How Patriots benefitted after obvious penalty goes uncalled vs. Ravens image

The New England Patriots' official playoff spot being locked in appeared to be on hold once again on Sunday night. Needing a win, the Patriots were trailing the Lamar Jackson-less Baltimore Ravens throughout the second half.

Baltimore left the door open, however, in the fourth quarter. After the Ravens took a 24-13 lead, the Patriots came storming back to win 28-24. That New England comeback effort, surprisingly, was partially boosted by a defensive pass interference that went uncalled on Ravens defender Marlon Humphrey, who clearly tackled wide receiver Kayshon Boutte before the ball had arrived.

However, because the officials didn't call pass interference, the Patriots got to use a little more of the clock before they drove down the field for the game-winning touchdown.

Here's a look at the non-call on Humphrey on "Sunday Night Football" and how it wound up benefiting the Patriots.

MORE RAVENS-PATRIOTS NEWS:

Marlon Humphrey non-call pass interference vs. Kayshon Boutte

The Patriots got the ball back, down 24-21, with around five minutes remaining in Sunday's game. A field goal would tie it, but a touchdown would give them the lead. 

On a 1st & 10 play, Drake Maye went deep for Boutte, who appeared to make a tough catch against Humphrey for a moment. However, Boutte lost the ball at the end of the play — and despite Humphrey fully tackling the wide receiver from his legs before a play on the ball could have been made, the officials did not call defensive pass interference.

Here's a still frame of Humphrey tackling Boutte before the ball had even arrived.

NBC announcers Mike Tirico, Chris Collinsworth and Terry McAulay all agreed it should have been called pass interference on Humphrey.

"Boy, did Baltimore dodge one there," Tirico said. 

Initially, that missed call appeared to favor the Ravens, who likely needed one defensive stop to potentially win the game. Instead, as things turned out, the Patriots benefited a bit from the no-call.

MORE NFL WEEK 16:

Stefon Diggs, Rhamondre Stevenson win game for Patriots vs. Ravens

Three plays after the non-call on the pass interference, the Patriots faced a 4th & 2 from the Ravens' 48-yard line. Maye came through with a quick strike to Stefon Diggs, and the veteran receiver picked up 21 yards.

Another two plays later, Rhamondre Stevenson completed the Patriots' comeback by sprinting for a 21-yard rushing touchdown. New England took a 28-24 lead, and held on in the final minutes.

Because of those plays from Stevenson and Diggs, the Patriots wound up benefiting from the missed DPI call — had it been called, New England likely would have scored far sooner. With the no-call, the Patriots used up more clock, still took the lead on a touchdown, then gave the ball to the Ravens with just two minutes remaining.

Zay Flowers' fumble sealed the win for New England anyway, as the Ravens never threatened to score again.

Content Producer

Staff Writer