It is difficult to give a definite answer as your question is posed. In all cases, if in your judgement, the ball became dead by rule, then blow it dead. If you judge that the ball is not dead by rule, let the play continue. We have all been there. Just as you blow the whistle, the runner breaks loose for a gain of additional yardage or fumbles with the defense recovering. One team is going to be unhappy. Most still do not understand that, with this type of action, the ball is dead when an official judges it to be dead, not when the whistle sounds.
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