It was the official’s job to approve or not approve the one errant football that was handed to him.
The Pats scored four touchdowns in the AFC Championship game after the footballs were replaced. (I assume this includes the one unapproved football).
An underinflated ball in cold weather gives that team a big advantage.
Read the article again...it says this football suddenly popped up at halftime...
Officials "approve" & "disapprove" balls before the game...not during the game...not even halftime.
The Pats scored four touchdowns in the AFC Championship game after the footballs were replaced. (I assume this includes the one unapproved football).
Again. Read the article. The ball now being questioned wasn't in use for the Patriot offense...so the "4 tds" you reference doesn't matter for Patriot kickoffs, Patriot punts, and Patriot field goals.
And one of those 4 "second half" tds was one set up by an interception...a 13 yd drive with no pass plays...not sure why Pat die-hards keep referencing it.