PFWA Pool Reporter Alex Zietlow Interview with NFL Vice President of Instant Replay Mark Butterworth
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Question: Could you explain the ruling on the blocked field goal that resulted in the Panthers’ ball?
Mark Butterworth: “The ruling on the field was a failed fourth down. We go back and double check everything. Number 94 on the defense touches the ball past the line of scrimmage and once the defense touches a blocked kick, in this case a field goal attempt, past the line of scrimmage, the ball becomes live after he touches it.
When it becomes live, whoever recovers it, it’s 1st-and-10. After 94 on the defense touches the ball, number 68 on the offense then recovers the ball. Therefore, the original offense gets to keep the ball, and it is 1st-and-10.”
