Despite five turnovers on Sunday, the Patriots still had a chance to force overtime, or win the game in regulation, with 1:07 to play.

New England had the ball at Pittsburgh’s 28, facing fourth and one.

Quarterback Drake Maye threw a short pass to receiver Demario “Pop” Douglas. He caught it near the sticks . Instead of simply falling forward, he gave ground in an effort to gain more. And he was tackled for a one-yard loss.

Game over.

After the game, coach Mike Vrabel was blunt about the outcome of the decisive moment: “Probably have to drop step and be able to knife. You know those are bang-bang plays. Just try to split them and get the first down. . . . I would say the decision that Pop made wasn’t the right one there .”

No, it wasn’t. And while there are many reasons for th

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