Pool Report (VP of Instant Replay Mark Butterworth)

Why did you determine that the on-field ruling of a fumble was in fact a fumble (1st-and-10 at the Philadelphia 30, 5:26 remaining in the third quarter)?

“On that play, the running back was touched by a defensive player, number 51, and then he did have contact with number 69 on the offense. It was deemed a stumble on the field, so because it was a stumble, when he went down, he would not be down by contact and therefore it was a fumble.”

So, what would have qualified as down by contact when number 51 touched him there?

“If no other player hit him and they ruled it not a stumble, and he went down after contact by number 51 of the defense with no other contact and he went immediately down, then he would be down by contact.”