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NFL has explaining to do after last-minute change almost cost Patriots Week 8 game

The NFL's decision to remove the initial officiating crew from the Patriots vs. Dolphins game almost led to a disaster that cost them the win.

Published: Monday, 2 November 2026 at 10:00 AM
NFL has explaining to do after last-minute change almost cost Patriots Week 8 game
Key Things to Know
  • Sara Marshall argues the NFL must explain a late officiating crew swap before the Patriots' Week 8 game.
  • Shawn Hochuli's officiating crew was reassigned on Thursday night, replacing them with a crew criticized for prior performances.
  • Officials initially ruled a 43-yard touchdown catch by Kyle Williams incomplete before Mike Vrabel successfully challenged the call.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Sara Marshall of Musket Fire argues that the NFL owes the New England Patriots an explanation following a late officiating crew change ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Shawn Hochuli's crew was originally scheduled to officiate the game before being reassigned to Sunday Night Football, leaving Brad Allen's or Moore's crew in Miami following scrutiny over their prior performance in a Packers-Lions game.

The writer criticizes the replacement officiating crew for initially ruling Kyle Williams' 43-yard third-quarter touchdown an incomplete pass. New England head coach Mike Vrabel successfully overturned the call via a challenge flag, but Marshall contends that the last-minute crew swap created unnecessary controversy that could have altered the game's final outcome.

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