Did the Falcons' Kyle Pitts cross the goal line on a controversial touchdown call?

For Kyle Pitts, National Tight Ends Day 2024 will be an unforgettable experience. The Falcons tight end scored Atlanta's first touchdown of the afternoon against Tampa Bay and appeared to score another touchdown midway through the second quarter. Kirk Cousins ​​found Pitts for a 49-yard touchdown that appeared to tie the score in the crucial midseason divisional match.

But wait a moment. What happened when Pitts crossed the goal line?

Here's a closer look:

Yes, Antoine Winfield caught up with Pitts, pounced on the ball and threw it loose just as Pitts crossed the goal line. The original decision was a touchdown; If it were overturned, it would be Tampa Bay's ball on a touchback.

This is different from the common “player drops the ball before crossing the goal line” error. Here Pitts acted a little too casually on the way to the end zone, and that almost cost him. Review confirmed the on-field call, which the partisan crowd in Tampa booed mercilessly.

The touchdown brought Atlanta even, as the Bucs had 14 players each midway through the second quarter.