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Gene Steratore weighs in on controversial facemask penalty in Bills-Buccaneers game

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Nick Geddes | Last updated Nov 16, 2025 6:39 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a much needed third down stop late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s Week 11 road game against the Buffalo Bills. However, after the play, a flag was thrown.

Buccaneers rookie cornerback Jacob Parrish was penalized for grabbing the facemask of Bills wideout Khalil Shakir as he brought him to the ground. On initial look, it appeared that Parrish didn’t get Shakir’s facemask but rather had his hand on Shakir’s helmet. CBS Sports rules analyst Gene Steratore chimed in on the broadcast and explained why the officials made the correct call. It had everything to do with Parrish’s second grab.

“The first time when Jacob Parrish has it there, I think it’s just a hand on a helmet,” Steratore. “Now, right there, at that point, you’ve reached and grabbed the opening underneath the helmet, underneath the openings, earholes, same as facemask. Good call on the second grab by Parrish.”

Ian Eagle remarks how Gene Steratore looks "well bronzed" in his on-air headshot. pic.twitter.com/29iBtwpuco
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 16, 2025

Buccaneers drop second straight game with Week 11 defeat to Bills

This was a big moment in a big game for both teams. If not for the penalty, Buffalo would have had to settle for a field goal and if made, would have given them a 40-32 lead over Tampa Bay. With more than two minutes remaining on the clock, the Buccaneers would have had plenty of time to potentially go down the field and tie the game.

Instead, the Bills’ drive continued. Two plays later, quarterback Josh Allen ran one in for six from nine yards out, his sixth touchdown of the game. The Bills defeated the Buccaneers 44-32, improving to 7-3 on the season.

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, dropped its second consecutive game to fall to 6-4. The Buccaneers struggled on the defensive side of the ball against the Bills, allowing 414 yards. Big plays have been a concern of late, as Tampa Bay has surrendered a league leading 11 touchdowns of 25 yards or more. They have allowed six of that kind in the last two games.

It doesn’t get any easier from here, as the Buccaneers travel to play the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12. The Bills return to the field in four days, facing the Houston Texans on the road.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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