FOXBORO, Mass. – The New England Patriots had a tough battle against the Houston Texans on Sunday.

It didn’t help that the officials got in New England’s way on the game’s first drive.

The Patriots looked like they got a key stop on third down in the red zone when CJ Stroud missed Tank Dell in the corner of the end zone. But before the Patriots defensive unit could leave the field, a piece of yellow laundry was left on the field.

The officials called a highly questionable pass interference call on safety Marte Mapu, who was lined up against Dalton Schultz on the play. Mape did little to hinder Schultz and the Texans tight end initiated the contact, but the officials still deemed it worthy of a flag.

Those in attendance at Gillette Stadium weren’t too happy with the decision and two plays later Stroud hit Dell from two yards out for the opening score.

The Patriots were flagged for another defensive pass interference on third down in New England territory on Houston’s second drive of the game. This time, cornerback Marcus Jones was to blame and the Texans once again took the advantage of new life to score another touchdown.