HULLOBUDMAN
Footballguy
Late in the game, Rivers tried to hang on to a ball which hit the ground and was ruled a fumble on the field. The Chargers recovered it and the call was reviewed and reversed and called an incomplete pass.
My question is why was that reviewed by the booth? I thought a fumble ruling was only reviewed when there was a change of possession.
Here is the rule on NFL.com that explains when an official review can happen.
ARTICLE 2. REPLAY OFFICIAL REQUEST FOR REVIEW
Only the Replay Official or the Senior Vice President of Officiating or his or her designee may initiate a review of a play:
that begins after the two-minute warning of each half;
throughout any overtime period;
when points are scored by either team;
that is a Try attempt (successful or unsuccessful); and
when on-field officials rule:
an interception by an opponent;
a fumble or backward pass recovered by an opponent or that goes out of bounds through the opponent’s end zone;
a scrimmage kick touched by the receiving team and recovered by the kicking team; or
a disqualification of a player.
Such plays may be reviewed regardless of whether a foul is committed on the play that, if accepted, would negate the on-field ruling.
The Replay Official may only challenge a play until the next legal snap or kick. The Replay Official may consult with a designated member of the Officiating department at the league office regarding whether to challenge a play.
My question is why was that reviewed by the booth? I thought a fumble ruling was only reviewed when there was a change of possession.
Here is the rule on NFL.com that explains when an official review can happen.
ARTICLE 2. REPLAY OFFICIAL REQUEST FOR REVIEW
Only the Replay Official or the Senior Vice President of Officiating or his or her designee may initiate a review of a play:
that begins after the two-minute warning of each half;
throughout any overtime period;
when points are scored by either team;
that is a Try attempt (successful or unsuccessful); and
when on-field officials rule:
an interception by an opponent;
a fumble or backward pass recovered by an opponent or that goes out of bounds through the opponent’s end zone;
a scrimmage kick touched by the receiving team and recovered by the kicking team; or
a disqualification of a player.
Such plays may be reviewed regardless of whether a foul is committed on the play that, if accepted, would negate the on-field ruling.
The Replay Official may only challenge a play until the next legal snap or kick. The Replay Official may consult with a designated member of the Officiating department at the league office regarding whether to challenge a play.
