CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For the second time this season, the officials became the story line at the end of a Patriots loss.
Last month it was the push called on a New York Jets long field goal try, giving them a shorter — and more manageable – attempt. Monday night at Bank of America Stadium, it was a flag that was picked up, representing a potential game-changing penalty that wasn’t called.
On the final play of the Panthers’ 24-20 win over the Patriots, Tom Brady was throwing for Rob Gronkowski in the end zone, but instead was intercepted by Panthers safety Robert Lester.