Patriots robbed for fake call in first quarter vs. Texans

FOXBORO, Mass. – The New England Patriots had a tough battle against the Houston Texans on Sunday.

It didn't help that the referees got in New England's way on their first drive of the game.

The Patriots looked like they had made a crucial stop on third down in the red zone when CJ Stroud missed Tank Dell in the corner of the end zone. But before the Patriots defensive unit could leave the field, a piece of yellow laundry lay on the field.

Officials called a very questionable pass interference call for safety on Marte Mapu, who faced Dalton Schultz on the play. Mape did little to impede Schultz and the Texans tight end initiated contact, but the referees still deemed it worthy of a flag.

The crowd at Gillette Stadium wasn't too happy with the call and two plays later Stroud Dell scored from two yards out for the opening score.

On Houston's second drive of the game, the Patriots were cited for another defensive pass interference on third down in New England territory. This time, cornerback Marcus Jones was the culprit and the Texans once again took advantage of the opportunity to score another touchdown.