Forward progress?

Been reading a bunch about the 4th and inches QB sneak we pulled off. Looked like the officials gave Brees forward progress at the furthest point the ball was extended, but that's not exactly how the rules read....

Article 1: Dead Ball Declared. An official shall declare the ball dead and the down ended:

(a) when a runner is contacted by a defensive player and touches the ground with any part of his body
other than his hands or feet. The ball is dead the instant the runner touches the ground. A runner
touching the ground with his hands or feet while in the grasp of an opponent may continue to
advance; or
(b) when a runner is held or otherwise restrained so that his forward progress ends; or
(c) when a quarterback immediately drops to his knee (or simulates dropping to his knee) behind the line
of scrimmage; or
(d) when a runner declares himself down by sliding feet first on the ground. The ball is dead the instant
the runner touches the ground with anything other than his hands or his feet; or

Article 3: Forward Part of Ball. The forward part of the ball in its position when it is declared dead in the
field of play shall be the determining point in measuring any distance gained or lost. The ball shall be
rotated so that its long axis is parallel to the sidelines before measuring, while maintaining the forwardmost
point.


...So it would seem that the Ref would have needed to blow the play dead at the exact instant Brees stuck out the ball??? Or did he land forward enough to get the 1st down? Seems like it may be a legitimate gripe, as much as I hate to admit it...