2nd and 5 at B's 5. A-1 receives the snap and throws the ball toward a crowd of players in the end zone. B-2 attempts to catch the ball but bobbles it before gaining control. Before B-2 gains control, A-3 pulls B-2's flagbelt off and the Line Judge blows his whistle. B-2 then gains possession while still in the end zone and stops running due to hearing the whistle being blown.
What is/are the correct action(s) to take following this play?
Team A has the option to replay the down or take the result. The result in this case would be an incomplete pass since B-2 doesn't have control of the ball at the time the inadvertent whistle is blown. Team A would likely opt to replay 2nd down at B's 5.
At first glance, it may seem as if the result of the play is a touchback, and Team B should keep the ball and receive it at B's 14, but since control was not established before the whistle was blown, the ruling is incomplete pass. Team A was the team last in possession of the ball; therefore, Team A is given the option to replay or take the result.