New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct late in the first half against the Buffalo Bills.
The penalty came after Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones was called for defensive holding against wide receiver D.J. Moore on a third-and-goal play with 1:48 remaining in the second quarter.
Josh Allen's pass for Moore fell incomplete, but the holding penalty gave Buffalo a first down. Vrabel then appeared to argue the call from the sideline.
“Unsportsmanlike conduct, head coach for New England," referee Bill Vinovich announced. "Half the distance to the goal. First down.”
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel was hit with an Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty.
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 4, 2026
The Bills tied the game a few plays later. pic.twitter.com/6JsrQWfAeA
Vrabel
initially appeared to look around as if trying to determine whether the penalty was against him before walking toward the officials and seeking an explanation.
The sequence moved Buffalo from the New England 16 to the 6.
James Cook ran for 4 yards two plays later, and Allen scored on a 2-yard run with 1:00 remaining to tie the game at 14.
Allen's touchdown also broke the Bills franchise record for touchdowns from scrimmage.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Patriots coach Mike Vrabel gets unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for arguing call
