Todd Bowles along with Buccaneers legends not happy with NFL officiating

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might have walked away with a decisive 26-9 victory over the New Orleans Saints, but the story after the game wasn’t just about the win.

Instead, it centered around a controversial officiating blunder that left players, coaches, and fans fuming.

Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. appeared to score a defensive touchdown after recovering a fumble and racing into the end zone, but the play was blown dead due to an early whistle that was barely audible.

FOX replayed the Antoine Winfield Jr. scoop-and-score that officials took off the board because it was blown dead by a whistle.

No whistle is ever blown. pic.twitter.com/Cwr0zNSW2m
— Josh Hill (@jdavhill) October 26, 2025

Legends react to the blown call

Former Buccaneers stars Gerald McCoy and Ronde Barber didn’t hold back their frustration after the officials erased what would’ve been one of the highlights of the season. McCoy, known for his leadership and love for the franchise, posted his reaction on X, and Barber replied.

I mean, Something…!! 🤨
— Rondé Barber (@rondebarber) October 27, 2025

Their reactions were similar to the thoughts of many Bucs fans watching the game unfold. Instead, an untimely whistle robbed him of the moment and potentially a game-sealing score. Many fans across the league have had many frustrations with the officiating this year and these two legends expressed their disappointment as well.

Even though the play didn’t change the final outcome, it reignited a bigger discussion across the NFL about accountability for officiating errors. When a play like that gets blown dead, there’s no replay fix, no challenge, and no way to make it right. For a player like Winfield, who’s having an All-Pro caliber season, it was a missed chance to add another statement play to his growing highlight reel.

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Todd Bowles' reaction

Head coach Todd Bowles didn’t hide his irritation after the game, showing clear frustration with how the sequence unfolded while also praising Winfield’s performance.

“He had a hell of a day,” Bowles said. “I’m still pissed off over some of it, but that’s tough sledding. He did a hell of a job today getting the ball out. We have to do something. We will discuss with the league and go from there.”

Bowles’ comments showed his frustration, but also his acknowledgment of his player for making a game-changing effort. Despite the controversy, Tampa Bay’s defense dominated from start to finish, holding the Saints to just nine points.

The win keeps the Buccaneers in control of the NFC South race, and the team heads into the bye week with things to look forward to cleaning up.

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