Nelson Agholor’s drop on the first play of overtime against the Cowboys was a crucial moment in a game not short on crucial moments. Instead of picking up a first down with room to run, the Patriots’ offense had to reset and would punt five plays later without crossing midfield, and never got the ball back.
“I’m mad about that one. I don’t really want to talk about it,” Agholor said when asked about the play on Thursday, his first time speaking with the media since the game. “I think part of me got a little eager – peaking ahead a little bit. I just wasn’t in the moment. I didn’t keep my eyes on it – kind of peaking ahead. It’s over with. But, yeah, got a little eager. I can learn from that. Just stay in the moment. Even in overtime, just move the chains. Catch it first and go from there.”
It was the first official drop of the year for Agholor, who had three total last season and four the year before that. Still, the 28-year-old receiver has garnered a reputation for having less than reliable hands, in part due to a comment made by a fan during a local news interview when he was in Philadelphia.
Agholor was also asked about the Patriots’ final offensive play of the game, a back-shoulder throw from Mac Jones that ended up falling incomplete on third down. While many fans have pointed out a potential facemask penalty that went uncalled, Agholor took responsibility.
“It’s one of those situations that happens. We’ll get better. We’re working on it,” the receiver said. “But for me, if [Mac Jones] gives me opportunities, my job is to find a way. That’s how I look at it. I wish I was a little bit closer to it and give myself an opportunity to make a play on that.”
The Patriots signed Agholor to a two-year, $22 million deal this offseason. He had a five-catch, 72-yard performance in Week 1, but has yet to match either of those numbers in the five games since and has totaled 17 catches for 224 yards and a touchdown this season.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
