D’Qwell Jackson carried the ball that led to the dispute. (Boston Globe Staff Photo/Jim Davis)
The Patriots used under-inflated footballs on Sunday night. The next question is how did it happen?
According to a National Football League letter about the investigation into the controversy that was shared with the Boston Globe, the Patriots were informed that the league’s initial findings indicated that the game balls did not meet specifications.
Graphic from Boston Globe
The league inspected each of the Patriots’ 12 game balls twice at halftime, using different pressure gauges, and found footballs that were not properly inflated.
According to ESPN, 11 of the 12 game balls were found to be under-inflated by about 2 pounds each. The NFL specifications say they must be inflated to 12½ to 13½ pounds.
The investigation is still ongoing.
The Colts reportedly grew suspicious after linebacker D’Qwell Jackson intercepted Tom Brady late in the second quarter. A softer football is easier to throw and catch, especially in rainy conditions, as was the case Sunday night.