Why refs reversed Rams’ fumble recovery (NFL.com)
The Rams appeared to recover a James Cook fumble in the third quarter of Monday Night Football, but officials quickly took that possession away. An on-field ruling initially gave the ball to Los Angeles, which would have put the Rams near midfield with their lead intact. After a brief discussion, officials reversed the call and awarded possession to Buffalo. The Bills kept the ball, drove downfield and scored a touchdown to regain the lead. The unanswered question was simple: what made the officials change their minds?
No video review was apparent before the change.
Dion Dawkins came away with the football, but that alone did not settle who had legally recovered it. The replay showed a mass of players fighting for possession, with no clear view of the ball being secured by either team. NFL officials are allowed to confer and correct calls on the field. They do not need a replay review to make every correction. That means the lack of a review does not automatically make the reversal improper. The bigger issue was the lack of a clear explanation for such a consequential change. Instead, Buffalo kept possession and made the Rams pay. The Bills moved downfield and scored a touchdown, putting themselves back in front.