NFL question (subject to relocation)

[Covid 22]

In a game yesterday, a QB was about to throw the ball when his hand was hit and the ball popped out.  He went ahead and completed a passing motion knocking the ball about ten yards forward.  Whistle blows and incomplete signal given.  Then a scramble for the ball and the defense picks up the ball and begins running.   Once again whistles and pass ruled incomplete.

But wait, replay buzzes and determines it was a fumble (rightly so).   The ball is given to the defense.   

Why?   Wasn't it an inadvertent whistle?  If it had been a normal fumble by a running back and covered by the defense immediately, I can see the ball going over.  But in this play, the whistle stopped the action and the offense had no reason to try to recover an incomplete pass. 

Thanks

[CalhounLJ]

I think there is a caveat in NFL and maybe even college that allows for immediate action to recover the ball even after a whistle. This allows the opponent the right to possess the ball when/if replay eventually rules a fumble. But I’m no expert on either.


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[bossman72]

If it's recovered in the immediate continuing action after the play is whistled dead, then we can give it to the defense.

[AlUpstateNY]

If it's recovered in the immediate continuing action after the play is whistled dead, then we can give it to the defense.

That sounds like it's still a "judgment call" about what might be considered, "immediate continuing action", which seems like a really shaky basis compared to the principle long defined for dealing with otherwise might be considered as a potential Inadvertent (quick) whistle.  However, NFL rules decide NFL questions.