Although one single play does not determine the outcome of a win or a loss, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were partially robbed of a victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday because of a Kyle Pitts touchdown during the first half. A new angle of the controversial play appears to show the NFL got it wrong.
The play, ruled a touchdown, probably should’ve been called as a touchback instead.
Kirk Cousins connected with his big tight end for the second time on 2nd-and-10 from the 49-yard-line. Pitts caught the pass at the 37 and broke a pair of tackles en route to the end zone. However, the 24-year-old slowed way down right before the goal line— even though safety Antoine Winfield Jr. was right on his tail. That proved costly.
Pitts lowered the ball from a tucked position down to his side right before he entered into the end zone and lessened his grip. In one fell swoop, Winfield reached out to knock the ball loose.
It looked like a fumble and the fumble rolled out of the back of the end zone for a touchback.
However, upon further review, NFL officials were unable to determine whether or not Pitts lost possession before he scored a touchdown. The league did not have a camera angle looking down the goal line so the evidence was not indisputable.
As a result, the call on the field (a touchdown) stood. It was neither confirmed nor overturned.
It stood.
Oh no…
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 27, 2024
It looked like Pitts had his 2nd TD of the day… But did he lose the ball before reaching the endzone??
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/Wbagh2hT7l
Atlanta went on to win 31-26. Pitts’ second touchdown, which did not appear to be a touchdown on the television broadcast, ultimately proved to be the difference and a new camera angle from local Tampa reporter Sean Barie proves it was the wrong call. Kyle Pitts definitely fumbled before the goal line.
I was set up at about the 1.5 yard line during Kyle Pitts' controversial second touchdown.
— Sean Barie FOX 13 (@SeanBarieTV) October 27, 2024
So here's my view of it. I tried to focus into when I believe the ball started to come out. The more I watch this, the more I think the refs got the call of TD wrong. @FOX13News pic.twitter.com/2kbBhM1Ask
The Falcons might’ve scored on that drive anyway. One single moment does not define four full quarters of play. That doesn’t mean the Buccaneers weren’t screwed.
At the very least, it begs the question of why. Why did the NFL not have a goal line angle to review?
That is a major flaw that needs to be addressed ASAP!