Flagged: Patriots' Belichick Goes Viral For Challenge Toss
Bill Belichick would have a solid online dating profile, as he's making his red flags quite apparent.
The New England Patriots' head coach went viral during Sunday night's 24-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins, angrily tossing his challenge flag to contest a ball spot in the immediate vicinity of an official during third quarter action. Belichick was frustrated over challenging a ball spot that would've netted the Patriots a first down deep in Miami territory.
Screenshot: NBC SPORTS
Line judge Jay Bilbo, adjusting the chains for the future fourth down, became an unfortunate victim of Belichick's wrath with the flag landing inches away from his face.
While Belichick's challenge proved futile (dropping him to 53-77 in challenges at the helm of New England), the Patriots wound up picking up the first down on Mac Jones' 2-yard carry. That proved equally inconsequential, as Xavien Howard intercepted a pass to DeVante Parker near the end zone. It also wouldn't be the first time a visit to the replay booth would spell New England's doom. The night, after all, ended with a desperate lateral from Mike Gesicki to Cole Strange, who was ruled just short of a game-continuing first down.
Belichick's fury drew a polarizing reception. While some enjoyed the show of emotion from the eternally stoic Belichick, others labeled it sophomoric and disrespectful. The long-tenured New England boss did have a supporter in former protege Julian Edelman, as the ex-Patriots receiver called it an "all-time challenge flag toss."
Another former receiver, Cris Collinsworth, claimed that “(NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal) would have been proud of that dunk" while his NBC Sports broadcast partner Mike Tirico labeled it "beautiful."
Speaking of challenges, the Patriots (0-2) will look to climb out of a winless hole next Sunday when they hit the road for the first time this season against the New York Jets (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
