The five turnovbers hurt (1 was at the end though and it was a gimmee) but we do not inow if they would , or would not have, directly turned into Pats points.
What we do know is that three decisions by officials, or non decisions as they may be DID DIRECTLY LEADT TO 17 Bronco Points.
There is sufficient blame that can go to both parties, the refs or the Patriots...but this game was there to be won, even with the turnovers, if not for the atrocious officiating.
That being said, the logical answer is the officials.
And, good proof of this being so is Bill Belichick himself, who has NEVER criticized officials, at least not that I can ever recall...yet after this game he DID have some negative comments about the officiating crew, and the head referee, for the game.
And, we know that in his posiiton, he must be very silent about officials, so that must mean we heard very little of what his tru feelings were about that team of officials.
So, once again, with that being said...the refs cost us the game moreso than the turnovers. PLAIN AND SIMPLE
It's LOGICAL. Now, I must return to Vulcan.