Broncos coach Gary Kubiak is still not sure what brought a suspiciously late flag in the third quarter of Monday night's win over the Bengals.

Defensive end Malik Jackson sacked Cincinnati QB AJ McCarron for a loss of one yard with 6 minutes, 7 seconds left in the third quarter. After ESPN showed a replay and the teams lined up for the next play, referee Ed Hochuli tossed a flag for a 15-yard facemask penalty on Jackson. It was the correct call, but the tardiness drew plenty of attention.

Many speculated that NFL head of officiating Dean Blandino told Hochuli he missed the personal foul. Blandino, who's in New York, can now communicate with officials during games, but that is not supposed to go into effect until the playoffs. Others thought he may have watched the replay and then reached into his waistband for the yellow bag

“Yeah, that was interesting,” Kubiak said, per The Denver Post. “I can’t speak for the league. I don’t know. I know it happened very late. There was a facemask on the play. There is no doubt about that, but yet there was no flag and you’re almost to the next play and here it comes. There are some things going on differently in how games are being viewed and people that are involved in situations and those type of things. That just looks like one of those situations that took place.

"Ed was very honest with me and said that he got late information but he thinks it was right. It’s kind of hard to argue with that. I know they’re trying to do the best job they can."

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At the time, Kubiak was infuriated. Penalties are missed all the time — it's part of the game —Â and there's generally a window where it's acceptable to throw a flag. This one came at a critical point in the game, as the Bengals were just starting a drive with a 14-10 lead.

The "late information" suggests Blandino was in communication with Hochuli. Such situations could become more common with these new rules in place.