Patriots rookie WR says incomplete deep ball ‘was a trap’

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Ja’Lynn Polk thought he had it.

With 8:26 left and the Patriots down 14, Jacoby Brissett threw a fourth-down pass in the air inside Levi’s Stadium. Polk took a step on a 49ers defensive back when he launched into the air between cornerback Renardo Green and safety Ji’Ayir Brown.

That’s when the rookie receiver caught the deep pass in his hands and hit the turf, going out of bounds. For a moment, it looked like Polk had caught the 41-yard pass play. Instead, officials ruled that the receiver did not put both feet inbounds when he touched the sideline.

After the game, Polk said he disagreed with the call.

“It was a trap for me. That’s what I think,” Polk told MassLive. “But shoot, that’s how it is. I feel, in my opinion, that this is a trap.

Jerod Mayo still had a challenge but chose not to use it at that time. The incomplete pass ruling meant a turnover on downs for the Patriots. The 49ers took over and turned that into a Jake Moody field goal and won the game 30-13.

Polk said no one explained to him the reason for the decision. The second-round pick finished that game with three catches for a career-high 30 yards. Before this deep ball, he completed a nice 21-yard pass from Brissett.

“It looked like we caught it, but I guess not,” Brissett said. “It’s just to give our guys a chance. I’m trying to give us the best chance to make plays. They started sitting on us a lot and wouldn’t back away. Polk had made some good catches down the field, so I was just trying to come back and give him another chance.

After coming off the bench in Week 1, Polk started the Patriots’ final three games. On Sunday, he was Brissett’s most targeted player (seven). Even if the latter goal doesn’t count, the rookie said he’s happy to show he’s capable of making big plays.

“Yes, this is what we’ve all been waiting for: the opportunity,” Polk said. “When we have that opportunity, it’s up to us to try and make the play for our team.”