I don't know about most people, but I turn to the ball long enough to figure out where the throw will come from so I can make sure I am out of the way (and that ball did not go out of play or is lodged) and then turn to the plate, the ball no longer important to me.

Waltjp nailed the description as I a saw it too, best replay is at 35 seconds.

I never kneel either.

I don't see much wrong with that. I also don't go to a knee due to knee issues on my right knee that would make it a tad hard to get up! However, I'm not really sure I'd call that a passed ball. Yes, he might have been able to catch it, but it was a horrible pitch too. Either way, the home plate umpire I think was fine.