Trailing 20-10 with just under five minutes to play in the season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Mike Vrabel had a decision to make. Keep the offense on the field for a 4th-and-5 at the New England 49-yard line, or punt the ball away and play the field position game.

There was no hesitation; Drake Maye and company remained on the field. That was, until rookie left tackle Will Campbell was flagged for a false start. The ensuing 5-yard loss made the Patriots’ first-year head coach change his mind.

Instead of attempting a conversion, Bryce Baringer punted the ball away — a kick that traveled only 21 yards before sailing out of bounds. As Vrabel explained after the game, that short punt was a crucial part of the strategy falling apart.

“I made a decision on 4th-and-10 with

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