Texans' Bill O'Brien says it wasn't his job to call T.O. after Rob Gronkowski's controversial catch

PHOTOS: Texans vs. Patriots Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien watches his team warm up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. Browse through the photos to see action from the Texans' season opener at New England. less PHOTOS: Texans vs. Patriots Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien watches his team warm up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in ... more Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff Photographer Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 111 Caption Close Texans' Bill O'Brien says it wasn't his job to call T.O. after Rob Gronkowski's controversial catch 1 / 111 Back to Gallery

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The league office was attempting to belatedly initiate a review of New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski's controversial catch during the final minute of the first half that led to a Tom Brady touchdown pass.

However, that didn't happen because the Patriots hurried up and ran another offensive play and Texans coach Bill O'Brien didn't call a timeout.

Gronkowski appeared to lose control of the football when he went to the ground following the 28-yard reception.

"The situation was that New York did get back to us," referee Tony Corrente told a pool reporter. "However, unfortunately, they didn't get to the game officials on the field until after the play had already started. They got to us on the field, but the play had already started. You can't challenge after the snap."

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Coaches aren't allowed to challenge plays in the final two minutes. O'Brien could have called timeout in hopes of giving the officials time to determine whether to review the play.

O'Brien said he isn't responsible for doing that, though.

"No, that's not my job," O'Brien said. "Let me make it clear: I don't have challenges with under two minutes to go. That's not my job to call a timeout to make their job easier.

"What I'm trying to do is make sure we go into halftime down 14-6. Say I call a timeout there, they rule it a catch and the Patriots have more time to put a play together."

Texans cornerback Aaron Colvin was covering Gronkowski on the play along with linebacker Benardrick McKinney and was upset about how the play was officiated.

"That's BS, in my opinion," Colvin said. "I don't think he caught that ball. I think that was the big play in the game, but it is what it is.

"We got to get that ball and make it unquestionable. It's tough man, but I mean we're playing in New England. So, you know what that means."

Gronkowski was adamant he caught the ball.

"I did make the catch," Gronkowski said. "I don't know how. When I went to the ground, I had it stable in my hand, so it was definitely a catch. Tom went up to the line really quick just to make sure. We got the play off, which was nice."