IN A GAME filled with errors, stupid penalties and a punt that produced not one but two fumbles, the New England Patriots secured their 10th consecutive win of the NFL season despite an inadvertent whistle from a referee potentially costing them a touchdown.
Early in the second half, with the Patriots up 10-3, the Bills pass rush forced New England quarterback Tom Brady out of his pocket and towards their touchline.
Just before going out of bounds, Brady spotted that Danny Amendola had created separation from his defender and lofted the ball in his direction.
However, as the ball was in the air, the line judge on that side of the field — Gary Arthur — blew his whistle for no reason whatsoever.
After a lengthy consultation with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and his own officiation crew, head referee Gene Steratore gave New England the ball at the spot of Amendola’s catch.
However, with just one safety to beat, and a downfield blocker, Patriots fans will feel aggrieved that they were denied a potential touchdown, especially as Stephen Gostkowski missed a 54-yard field goal at the end of the drive.
By the final whistle, Brady had completed 20 of 39 passes for 277 yards, including a 20-yarder to White for the first score of his career in the 20-13 win.
It leaves the Pats (10-0) on course for their second unbeaten season in nine years while the Bills (5-5) — a team on a two game win streak — lost to Tom Brady for the 25th time in the last 28 meetings.