Washington (CNN) In photos posted to social media Wednesday, the New England Patriots' turnout at the White House this year seemed to be noticeably smaller than in 2015, when the team last visited the executive residence.

A side-by-side comparison of the teams on both occasions showed a visibly smaller contingent to visit President Donald Trump than former President Barack Obama -- a difference first noted by The New York Times . The Times' sports editor later apologized for comparing the crowd size in a statement to Yahoo News

Though the White House has yet to comment on Wednesday's turnout at the event to honor the Super Bowl champions, T he Boston Globe reported that just 34 players attended the event. There are 64 players listed on the Patriots' active team roster , though it's unclear how many were invited.

The team responded Wednesday evening on Twitter, arguing that the images don't tell the whole story: "These photos lack context. Facts: In 2015, over 40 football staff were on the stairs. In 2017, they were seated on the South Lawn."

These photos lack context. Facts: In 2015, over 40 football staff were on the stairs. In 2017, they were seated on the South Lawn. https://t.co/iIYtV0hR6Y — New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 20, 2017

The Patriots followed up with another tweet, comparing Wednesday's attendance with a ceremony during former President George W. Bush's tenure: "Comparable photos: The last time the #Patriots won two Super Bowls in three years, 36 players visited the White House. Today, we had 34."

Comparable photos: The last time the #Patriots won two Super Bowls in three years, 36 players visited the White House. Today, we had 34. pic.twitter.com/Aslvf1RaXU — New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 20, 2017

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