During a recent football game between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots, a significant officiating sequence unfolded. It began with an initial incorrect ruling on what was determined to be a backward pass, an inadvertent whistle stopping play, and a subsequent correction. This sequence ultimately resulted in the Patriots gaining possession of the ball, which they then converted into a score on their following short drive.
The Play and Initial Call
Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham executed a two-handed backward pass. New England Patriots player Elijah Ponder recovered the ball and advanced it 12 yards.
Initially, officials ruled the play as an incomplete forward pass, with some reports also indicating it was initially considered intentional grounding. Due to this initial judgment, an inadvertent whistle was blown during the live play.
Officiating Discussion and Correction
Following the whistle, officials conferred to review the play.
Referee Alex Kemp announced a revised ruling, stating the pass was determined to be a backward pass, which the Patriots had legally recovered.
However, due to the inadvertent whistle, the play did not result in an advance for the Patriots on the field beyond the whistle. New England was awarded possession of the ball at the spot where the whistle occurred, and they proceeded to score on their subsequent short offensive drive.
Referee's Explanation
Referee Alex Kemp provided a post-game explanation of the sequence.
He confirmed his initial ruling was an incorrect assessment of a forward pass, which led to the consideration of an intentional grounding foul.
Kemp stated that the down judge and umpire provided additional information, clarifying the pass was indeed backward, with the down judge having signaled a backward pass by extending his right arm.
Based on this clarified information, Kemp confirmed that possession was awarded to New England for legally recovering the backward pass.
He also confirmed that an inadvertent whistle had stopped the play after the New England player had picked up the ball, preventing any advance on that specific play.