Stitch01 said:
In this case, it shouldn't. A holding call on a 3rd down play that started with 15 seconds left would not change the outcome. The Ravens would decline the penalty if there was an incomplete pass (no change in clock -- still about 10 seconds left) or a completion for less than a first down yardage (no change in clock-- still about 10 seconds left -- just saves a useless timeout). The Ravens would accept the penalty if the Pats got a first down from the pass; however, that would allow the Pats to run another 3rd down play and use up even more time. The replayed 3rd down would start with about 10 seconds left on the clock. Assuming another pass, then after the play there would be about 5 seconds left. Punting or running around in the end zone for 5 seconds should end the game. So holding would not necessarily be a bad thing on that initial 3rd down pass.
Edited to add: Eliminating the drawback of a penalty on a potential 3rd down pass or run play is just another reason why waiting until after 3rd down to call the timeout was a dumb decision by Harbaugh.
