Overview
- Alex Kemp said he incorrectly ruled Jarrett Stidham’s loose ball an incomplete forward pass before officials conferred.
- The down judge and umpire reported the ball traveled backward, leading to a reversal to a backward pass and New England possession.
- Kemp said the whistle stopped play after a Patriots recovery, which by rule barred any return and placed the ball at the spot.
- Analysts noted that crews are generally taught to let potential turnovers continue so replay can correct mistakes on the field.
- The sequence remains a flashpoint for Broncos fans after the AFC Championship loss, with no league reversal or discipline reported.