Saints Legend Archie Manning Exposes Evidence Showing Officials Tried to Save the Saints from 23-3 Loss to Buccaneers

October 28, 2025 | New Orleans, LA

Archie Manning, a beloved figure in New Orleans, has never shied away from speaking his mind, especially when it comes to the New Orleans Saints. As a former quarterback and one of the franchise's all-time greats, Manning has long been a vocal supporter of the team. However, following the Saints' devastating 23-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8. expose what he believes was a critical and unjustified officiating error that had a direct impact on the game.

During a crucial moment late in the second quarter, with the Saints trailing 7-0, a play unfolded that would have shifted the momentum in New Orleans' favor. Antoine Winfield Jr. of the Buccaneers had scooped up a loose ball, taking it to the end zone for what appeared to be a game-changing touchdown. However, to the disbelief of everyone in the stadium and millions watching at home, the officials blew the whistle, nullifying the score.

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

According to Manning, who watched the game in real-time and then reviewed the broadcast replay, there was no whistle at all. Manning, who is no stranger to the pressure of high-stakes moments in football, found the call deeply troubling, stating:

“I can’t deny my love for the Saints, but I’ve listened to that play — not once, but multiple times. I listened to the broadcast, then I rewound it and listened again. There was no whistle. None. I’ve been around the game long enough to know when a whistle is blown. And as clear as day, I heard nothing. In the very next play the Bucs ran, I heard that whistle loud and clear. Somebody is lying.”

Manning’s comments were not just speculation—they were rooted in a first-hand account of what he believes to be an unjustified ruling. According to Todd Bowles, head coach of the Buccaneers, the referees later told him it was an “erroneous whistle.” Bowles, still frustrated with the situation, commented after the game:

“As soon as Winfield hit the ball carrier, he stripped it. I got no answers for that. He had a hell of a day, but that call — we have to do something about it. We’ll be discussing this with the league.”

Todd Bowles said they were told it was an “erroneous whistle,” adding, “As soon as he hit him, he stripped him. I got no answers for that.” He said of Antoine Winfield Jr: “He had a hell of a day. I’m still pissed off over some of it…We gotta do something. We’ll discuss that… pic.twitter.com/OGdEJI5RmO

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) October 26, 2025

The call undoubtedly had a significant impact on the game. The Saints were still within reach of the Buccaneers, but the nullified touchdown shifted momentum and gave Tampa Bay the advantage they would maintain for the rest of the game.

Manning’s outcry added fuel to the fire for fans and analysts alike, who saw the blown call as part of a string of questionable officiating decisions that have dogged the Saints in recent years. While it’s uncertain whether Manning’s comments will lead to any change, one thing is clear: Saints fans and Manning himself are not letting this incident slip by without being heard.

In the world of football, it’s the fans and legends like Manning who are unafraid to speak up, and his comments serve as a reminder that in the NFL, every call matters — especially when it determines the outcome of a high-stakes game.