FOXBOROUGH, MASS. -- Jets head coach Rex Ryan didn't outright criticize the referees following Sunday's 29-26 overtime loss to the Patriots, but he made it quite clear he wasn't pleased.

When asked after the game for his thoughts on the referees' job in monitoring the Patriots up-tempo offense, the Jets coach showed his disdain for some of the calls.

"I think the officiating crew did a great job with that," Ryan said.

One critical call in the game came in overtime when defensive back Kyle Wilson was flagged for pass interference while breaking up a ball intended for Aaron Hernandez. The nearest referee didn't flag the play, but a referee about 20 yards away and behind the play threw a late flag to give the Patriots a first down.

The Patriots used the penalty to keep alive a drive that ultimately ended up with a field goal that put them ahead for good. Wilson said he thought he didn't interfere with Hernandez on the play, but did not blast the officials. The Jets were flagged eight times for 60 yards.

Fellow cornerback Antonio Cromartie didn't understand why the refs weren't universal on that call.

"My whole thing was if the front judge didn't see it, then I don't know why the back judge is throwing it," Cromartie said.

SAFETY DANCE: The Patriots took a 16-7 lead when they recorded a safety in the second quarter, but a heads-up play by quarterback Mark Sanchez prevented a possible touchdown.

The Jets tried a wide run to Shonn Greene, but defensive tackle Vince Wilfork blew up guard Matt Slauson. As Sanchez went to give the ball to Greene, the back cut to run the ball inside, and the uneven exchange led to a fumble. As the ball scooted into the end zone, Sanchez wisely opted to kick it out and give the Pats a pair instead of a possible touchdown.

"You're taught if it's in your end zone and you've got pressure like that to just kick it out of the back and save a touchdown or save a hit (than) trying to fall on the ball and somebody falls on you," Sanchez said.

CRO DIDN'T SEE: The Jets had a turnover overturned when the referees' video replay showed Hernandez was down at the Jets' 1-yard-line before he fumbled the ball in the third quarter. There was discussion as to whether Patriots coach Bill Belichick challenged the play, which would be a rule violation as all turnovers are reviewed, but Cromartie said he didn't remember seeing a possible challenge.

"No, I didn't. Not at all," Cromartie said.

KERLEY'S BIG DAY: Jeremy Kerley led the Jets with seven catches for 120 yards. Since Santonio Holmes' season-ending injury, Kerley has caught 15 balls for 238 yards.

"Each year he keeps getting better and better, and he's one of those guys who wants to work," Sanchez said. "I thought he had a heck of a game."

CUMBERLAND IN CAST: Tight end Jeff Cumberland had a cast on his right hand after the game. Ryan did not have an update on the tight end, who had one catch for four yards.

PERFECT FOLK: Nick Folk was a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals, including a pair of 43-yarders to tie the game and later give the Jets the lead in the fourth quarter. He's now a perfect 11-for-11 on the season.