Replay Official cannot rule on Possession

[rulesmaven]

A couple of interesting things there.

First, the booth called for a review. I think that's pretty significant. I believe the statistics on booth initiated reviews show a much higher reversal rate than coach challenges. The NFL doesn't seem to have a published standard for when the replay booth should call for a review. In practice, though, they tend only to buzz if there is some solid evidence that the play may have been called incorrectly on the field. Put another way, it tends to be more than just, "hey, why don't you have a look." Typically, a buzz means there's a significant question.

Second, the release says the ref actually did review the play. That was unclear from the telecast. It never showed him under the hood. But, from the time that elapsed, it appears to have been a very quick review.

Originally Posted by Trap

It's pretty obvious to most, it was wrong call. Except to 3 people ( side judge, referee, and replay official) at the game and a couple other "sympathetic" voices.

Tho I also do wonder if the replay official actually knew he could review it. Because until lately, everything I heard was that the possesion part was not reviewable and still hear conflicting info.

I think you're reading it wrong. The replay official concluded there was enough question to call for a review. He did not affirm the call in any way. It was the ref who did so, after being told by the booth to review it.