The New England Patriots got the ball with just over seven minutes remaining in the first half and put together a 14 play drive that ultimately took up the entire clock.

But it was Mike Vrabel’s decision with barely any time remaining that had some raising their eyebrows.

With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers holding a three-point lead over the Patriots, New England was facing a 4th and goal on the 1-yard line and could simply tie the game with an easy kick from Andy Borregales.

But instead, Vrabel opted to keep the offense out on the field and have them go for it, with the result being an impressive pass from Drake Maye and an incredible toe-touch catch by Stefon Diggs to give New England the lead.

After the game, Vrabel explained his decision.

“It was a huge play for us on fourth down, that confidence in our guys,” he said. “So, to be able to have confidence in them at that moment and then come through, that’s about players and not necessarily plays. I was really excited and proud of ‘Stef’ [Stefon Diggs] and Drake [Maye] for scoring when we were [on fourth down] and being able to end the half with the football in our hands.”

“I mean, obviously. I mean with no points – I made a decision to go for it, I trust our players and they came through,” he added. “They made me look good.”

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was also just as responsible for this call, and Maye praised his “aggressive” mentality.

“Coach McDaniels – that’s who he is, he’s aggressive. He’s not going to change,” the quarterback said. “It’s fun to listen on the headset and just hear kind of what his thought process is. He’s the best in the business, and I’m just thankful I get to play for him.”

It all worked out, and from there, the Patriots maintained the lead for the remainder of the game.

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook. 

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Mike Vrabel on controversial 4th-and-goal decision at end of half