One of the changes that was discussed this offseason was the decision to extend the uprights by five feet, which according to reports was a suggestion that was made by Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. The idea likely stemmed after a questionable play against the Ravens and involved replacement officials who ruled in favor of a game-winning field goal that replays showed had seemingly actually gone over and just outside the upright.
That lead to Belichick grabbing an official following the game because he was upset because about the call and was looking for an explanation. He was eventually fined, but this offseason a change was made to eliminate such confusion in the future and the NFL went ahead and made them taller.
It appears as though it may have paid off on Sunday early in the first half.
Trailing 20-7 and with a chance to cut the Patriots' lead to 10-points, Broncos kicker Brandon McManus saw his 41-yard field goal attempt hit the very top of the right upright loud enough for the whole stadium to hear, and also shook the camera mounted on the goal post.
The ball fell to the ground, but replays showed that the ball was close enough where they may have potentially even ruled it went over the post, which could have lead to points for the Broncos.
Fortunately the fact the uprights were extended ensured Denver came up empty on that drive.
Obviously it didn't matter since the game ended up being much more lopsided, but it's hard not to wonder if a moment like that deflated the Broncos enough to swing the momentum even further in New England's favor.
Nevertheless, had the posts not been extended, fans wouldn't have been able to enjoy the clanging sound which officially signified McManus missing the kick.
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