The Packers, nevertheless, were left pondering what might have been and what should have occurred. Seemingly aided by the nonchalant response of the ever-so cool Rice and the immediate request for a San Francisco timeout, the referees ruled Rice down, enabling the Niners to retain possession. During the timeout, however, replays indicated that Rice had indeed fumbled the football. Packer officials erupted. We clearly recovered it and the game's over.
Fate can be cruel.
After the game, McGarrahan was somewhat somber. While he played a major role on that play in question, he didn't have strong feelings one way or the other about it. I don't know. They said it wasn't a fumble, but I don't know. Coach Mike Holmgren wasn't certain, but he was told by colleagues that the play was in fact a fumble.