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I'll put it into perspective. If the Patriots fielded the punt, then kneeled each down and punted for 3 possessions they would burn over 10 and a half minutes. Sure, it's possible Osweiler could have scored 21 points in 4 minutes to tie, but the chances are very small. Yeah, it's technically not icing the game, but it's pretty damn close.
1) NE was leading 21-7 when Harper muffed the kick.
2) re: your scenario claiming the game would be pretty much iced if Harper caught the punt because even if NE did nothing other than kneel and punt DEN wouldn't have enough time:
1st down: 3 sec for play
between 1st and 2nd: 40 sec
2nd down: 3 sec for play
between 2nd and 3rd: 40 sec
3rd down: 3 sec for play
between 3rd and 4th down: 40 sec
punt: 10 sec
Total = 43*3 + 10 = 139 sec
Three possessions = 139 * 3 = 417 sec = 6:57 consumed.
So that leaves 7:29 of clock possession time for DEN to score two TDs, which is plenty.