Referee explains Packers' fumble TD

After Sunday’s game, referee Clete Blakeman explained by Aaron Rodgers’ fumble in the second quarter was not overturned, and why officials believed it was the proper call.

In the second quarter, Julius Peppers sacked Aaron Rodgers, who fumbled the ball forward. After both teams stopped play, Packers wideout Jarrett Boykin picked it up and ran for a 15-yard touchdown.

What follows is an interview between Blakeman a pool reporter assigned to the officials:

On the review of the play:“The aspect that we primarily were concerned with was the pass/fumble component of it. Was the hand coming forward? Was it a fumble? Then I look at the second component of it: Is it a clear recovery and a legal advance?”

On how no whistle was blown when the ball was fumbled: “Basically, it’s my call as far as the pass/fumble component of it. I threw the beanbag. I ruled a fumble. From the officiating side of things, we were still playing it as a live ball. Even though some of the players kind of didn’t react the same way, it’s still a live ball rolling around and ultimately Green Bay picks it up, and they can advance it.”

On how the game clock stopped: “They (upstairs booth) said the game clock had stopped during the play at some point and so we should make an adjustment to the game clock. But under that situation, we can’t because we don’t know if it’s 3 seconds, 5 seconds or 10 seconds that would have gone (off the game clock).”

On if they were aware of the clock fact: “Actually, no. I don’t think any of us were aware.”

On if the replay booth could have helped with the clock: “If there was a reason, if it was within our protocol to make a clock adjustment on that, I could go ask and get it. But again, in this situation, if the ball’s rolling at the 20 and the clock operator stops the clock, how many seconds do we miss out if he picks it up at the 20 and runs in? Is it 2 seconds? Is it 3 seconds? Or 5? Ultimately, it doesn’t really make much difference for us because we’d have to estimate it. We’d have to guess.”