The refs gifted the Patriots a new set of downs by turning a false start into a Titans penalty

The Tennessee Titans got the short end of a questionable call in the second quarter against the New England Patriots Saturday night.

After the Titans appeared to have forced the Patriots to a three-and-out, both teams lined up for a punt. After it initially appeared the Patriots would be called for a false start, the Titans were called for a neutral zone infraction, giving the Patriots an automatic first down on what was a fourth-and-10:

While the Titans did jump, it appeared the Patriots’ center moved his head quickly, causing them to move.

The Titans, like many, weren’t sure that it was a great call:

The Patriots would take the first down, and move into Titans territory, eventually scoring with a Chris Hogan touchdown reception from Tom Brady with 1:52 left in the first half.

It’s not the way the Titans were hoping to finish out the first half, after getting off to a relatively good start after leading the first quarter 7-0.

Depending on how the game goes, we might see this call come back to bite the Titans.