Patriots Star Blasts Officials After Win Over Bengals
The Patriots’ in-house postgame show is typically mild and noncontroversial—an understandable tone for a team riding a nine-game winning streak. But that changed when outspoken cornerback Carlton Davis joined the program following New England’s gritty 26–20 victory over the Bengals. One particular question struck a nerve.
Davis was asked about the defensive pass interference flag he received while covering Cincinnati wideout Tee Higgins on a deep route. He said he was simply matching Higgins’ physicality and was “confused” when he saw two flags hit the turf.
“I’m out there competing at the highest level, trying to do my job,” Davis said. “For them to throw that flag and basically hand them a chance to score—that (expletive) really threw me off. It definitely ticked me off going into the next series.”
Davis: ‘That (Expletive) Was BS’
Davis was even more direct in the locker room, suggesting the officials have been specifically watching him throughout games.
“That (expletive) was BS. He’s a big, physical receiver,” Davis said, per the Herald’s Doug Kyed. “If you watch his tape, on go routes he’s always trying to create that little bit of separation. I could turn and look for the ball, but once you do, that’s when he gives you the nudge and now you’re out of position. So I played through his hands. He’s tugging, tugging, and I just played physical.”
He added that referees repeatedly approached him during the game with warnings, which he interpreted as a sign that opposing teams are lobbying officials in advance.
“They’re talking to me all game: ‘You’re fine, but watch this, watch that.’ So I know someone’s saying something. I didn’t agree with that call at all.”
Davis Still Fired Up After the Patriots’ Win
True to form, the newly signed cornerback—who joined New England on a three-year, $60 million deal—didn’t hold back as he continued discussing the call and his frustration with both Higgins and the officials.
“That (expletive) had me hot because it was the fourth quarter, and I felt like I’d put us in a bad spot on a BS call,” Davis said. “They were already in field-goal range and in the red zone. Then they score. So I’m mad because of everything that followed. That (expletive) lit a fire under me. I wasn’t about to let us lose.”
Patriots Showing Fatigue Late in the Season
Despite his anger, Davis delivered one of his best performances of the year, finishing with eight tackles and three pass breakups. The penalty on Higgins came with 4:50 left, resulting in a 27-yard gain to the New England 17 and setting up a Bengals touchdown that cut the Patriots’ lead to 23–20.
New England answered with a field goal, and a fired-up Davis broke up three passes on Cincinnati’s final drive.
Davis noted that the team is feeling the grind.
“Guys are tired—we’ve had no bye week yet,” he said. “We’re relieved to have a longer week now, get some recovery, enjoy Thanksgiving with our families since we play on Monday against the Giants.”
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