One of the most talked about plays in the Patriots' 20-17 win over the Cardinals on Sunday was an illegal blindside block on a Gunner Olszewski punt return for a touchdown in the third quarter.
The penalty against Anfernee Jennings negated the touchdown and cost the Patriots four points as they only finished with a field goal.
Here is video of the play.
The rule is written that an illegal blindside block is if “a player initiates a block in which he is moving toward or parallel to his own end line and makes forcible contact to his opponent with his helmet, forearm, or shoulder.”
The play generated a lot of chatter on social media with fans being upset with the call.
Afterwards, pool reporter Mike Reiss spoke with referee Bill Vinovich about the play.
Below is their Q&A.
Q: It looked like two members of the crew threw flags on the blindside block penalty on New England linebacker Anfernee Jennings that negated a touchdown on a punt return in the third quarter. What did you see that led to that call?
Vinovich: “There were actually three flags thrown on that play. It was a block back towards his own end line, with forceable contact.”
Q: In a situation like that, where the player that was blocked appears to still be alive as a potential tackler of the returner, what are officials looking for in the player blocking him to stay within the rules?
Vinovich: “He would either have to shield him or use his hands.”
Afterwards, Bill Belichick said he did not get much of an explanation, just that it was an illegal blindside block.
