Seahawks Beat Patriots 31-24 After Controversial Flag-Free Final Play In End Zone

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 31-24 in Foxborough on Sunday night following a controversial non-call of a pass-interference penalty on Kam Chancellor, whom Rob Gronkowski insisted was holding him during the final play in the end zone.

Seahawks Beat Patriots 31-24 After Controversial Flag-Free Final Play In End Zone

The Patriots were attempting to score on fourth-and-goal from the 1 on their final offensive play, but the Seahawks ultimately came away with the victory, thus handing the Patriots (7-2) their second loss of the season and creating more controversy over NFL officials’ judgment calls.

“I mean, it didn’t get called. It is what it is,” Gronkowski said. “If it’s not a PI to the refs, then it’s not a PI to the refs.

“The play is what it is. You can’t really change it.”

Gronkowski said he hadn’t been trying to initiate contact but that “it just happened.”

Seattle said they had practiced defending the play in the final sequence of the last practice before the game.

“I was on Marcus Lucas, and he did the same exact route and we both fell and hit the ground just like that,” Chancellor said of the Seahawks tight end. “But I actually got my hand on the ball in that one. But he didn’t push me. So, you know, just a little different.”

Chancellor had returned Sunday after being sidelined for a month with an injured groin.

“Gronk’s a great competitor, man,” said Chancellor about his fellow four-time Pro Bowler. “And with us two on the field, why not end it like that, you know what I’m saying? Give both of us a chance. Give him a chance and let me go out and cover him.”

Tom Brady couldn’t connect with Gronkowski on a fade pattern on fourth down as the Patriots failed four times from inside the 2 in final seconds. Gronkowski finished with three catches for 56 yards.

It was reminiscent of how the Seahawks (6-2-1) lost the 2015 Super Bowl when Malcolm Butler intercepted at the goal line to win the NFL title for New England.

Doug Baldwin caught three touchdown passes, including a 15-yarder for the last margin. Oddly, Seattle went for 2 points and failed on the conversion, leaving the Patriots a chance to tie with a touchdown and an extra point kick.

However, LeGarrette Blount, who earlier rushed for three touchdowns, couldn’t reach the end zone from close range, nor could Brady on a pair of sneaks.

The Patriots next visit the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, while the Seahawks will host the Philadelphia Eagles that day.

FOXBORO, MA – NOVEMBER 13: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots attempts to catch a touchdown pass as he is defended by Kam Chancellor #31 of the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium on November 13, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)