Overview
- Antoine Winfield Jr. stripped the ball, recovered it, and ran it back for a would-be touchdown that was nullified when officials blew the play dead.
- Ron Torbert acknowledged an erroneous whistle and said rules allowed the fumble recovery to stand but barred awarding the return after the stoppage.
- FOX’s Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma said no whistle was audible on the broadcast replay, intensifying questions about the call.
- Todd Bowles said he will discuss the ruling with the league, while former Buccaneers star Gerald McCoy urged fines for officials in response.
- The error did not alter the result as Tampa Bay won comfortably behind a defense that forced four turnovers, including a pick six, moving to 6-2 with a two-game NFC South lead.