Buffalo, NY – October 5, 2025
Controversy erupted on Sunday night as the Buffalo Bills fell 20-23 to the New England Patriots in a primetime matchup clouded by officiating outrage. What should have been a statement win for Buffalo turned into another chapter in the NFL’s officiating debate — and even Patriots legend Tom Brady weighed in.
The tension peaked in the fourth quarter when running back James Cook took a brutal late hit from New England rookie linebacker Hunter Farmer after he was clearly down. Despite the play being reviewed, no flag was thrown — a non-call that drew instant fury from Bills fans and analysts alike.
Moments later, the referees penalized Buffalo for a “late hit” on Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, even though Maye was already sliding into contact. The call extended New England’s drive, setting up the game-winning field goal that sealed the Bills’ first home loss of the season.
Tom Brady, never one to shy away from controversy, publicly called out the inconsistency.
“Look, I love New England — always will,” Brady said. “But if we’re being honest, those calls were awful. The hit on Cook was missed, and that flag on Buffalo? Come on. You can’t let officiating decide games like that.”
Brady’s comments echoed the frustration across the league, as fans accused the referees of “rigging” the outcome to favor the Patriots. Hashtags like #RiggedInFoxboro and #BillsGotRobbed quickly trended on social media overnight.
The NFL has not issued an official statement regarding the calls, but multiple former players, including Bills alumni, have demanded the league review the officiating crew assigned to the game.
For the Bills, the loss stings beyond the scoreboard — it’s about principle. A team that fought hard all night saw victory slip away not from effort, but from judgment. And when even Tom Brady — the face of Patriots glory — calls it out, the league can no longer ignore the growing outcry.
