The NFL’s Catch Definition Under Scrutiny

In a recent playoff game, the definition of a catch has once again come under intense scrutiny. This time, it was the Buffalo Bills who found themselves on the losing end of a controversial play that ultimately eliminated them from the playoffs. The game against the Denver Broncos ended with a 33-30 score, and the decisive moment came during overtime when a disputed interception played a key role.

Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Bills, attempted a deep pass to Brandin Cooks. However, the ball was wrestled out of Cooks’ hands by Ja’Quan McMillian of the Broncos. Officials ruled that McMillian had possession of the ball before Cooks was down by contact, resulting in an interception. This decision proved to be pivotal, as it led to the Bills being awarded the ball at their own 20-yard line.

According to referee Carl Cheffers, “Cooks was going to the ground as part of the process of the catch and he lost possession of the ball when he hit the ground. The defender gained possession of it at that point. The defender is the one that completed the process of the catch, so the defender was awarded the ball.”

A Controversial Ruling

Bills coach Sean McDermott was unable to challenge the ruling due to the league’s overtime rules. Instead, he called a timeout to allow the officiating crew and replay officials to take a closer look. The play had already been confirmed through the NFL’s expedited review process in New York, making the timeout more of an opportunity for McDermott to seek an explanation rather than a chance to overturn the decision.

McDermott expressed his frustration, not just with the outcome but with the speed at which the decision was made. He noted that routine plays in regular-season games often receive more in-depth review. “From that point, it was a moot point. We were moving on,” McDermott said. “Had I not called a timeout, they were just moving on, it appeared. … This is not about, ‘Hey, we lost.’ It’s not about that at all. You play the game, you play it fair and square.”

Differing Opinions on the Call

While the ruling may seem clear-cut, many fans, analysts, and former players disagree. Retired three-time All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman took to social media to express his frustration, stating, “I have never seen a contested catch like this ever be called anything but a catch.” ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky echoed similar sentiments, saying, “This in an NFL playoff game got ruled an interception and ended Buffalo’s season?!!?? This is a catch every time.”

The NFL has seen similar calls go both ways in the past. For instance, during a Ravens-Steelers game in Week 14, a batted ball bounced back to Aaron Rodgers but was ripped out of his hands by Teddye Buchanan. Initially awarded an interception, the play was later overturned because Rodgers was determined to have maintained control of the ball.

In another instance, Rams defensive back Cobie Durant ripped a ball out of Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton’s hands while he was going down. Despite Otton appearing to have a knee down, the play stood as an interception and touchdown.

A History of Contested Catches

This isn’t the first time the NFL has faced controversy over the definition of a catch. In 2015, a notable non-catch by Dez Bryant cost the Dallas Cowboys a game against the Green Bay Packers. The play was overturned because officials determined Bryant didn’t control the ball while hitting the ground. This incident led to a rule change in 2018, eliminating the “survive the ground” clause from the definition of a catch.

Understanding What Constitutes a Catch

According to the NFL rule book, a catch is defined as follows:

• A forward pass is complete (by the offense) or intercepted (by the defense) in the field of play, at the sideline, or in the end zone if a player, who is inbounds:
• Secures control of the ball in his hands or arms prior to the ball touching the ground; and
• Touches the ground inbounds with both feet or with any part of his body other than his hands; and
• After (a) and (b) have been fulfilled, clearly performs any act common to the game (e.g., extend the ball forward, take an additional step, tuck the ball away and turn upfield, or avoid or ward off an opponent), or he maintains control of the ball long enough to do so.

Notes:
– Movement of the ball does not automatically result in loss of control.
– If a player, who satisfied (a) and (b), but has not satisfied (c), contacts the ground and loses control of the ball, it is an incomplete pass if the ball hits the ground before he regains control, or if he regains control out of bounds.

The rule book also addresses situations where two players catch a ball simultaneously. If a pass is caught simultaneously by two eligible opponents, and both players retain it, the ball belongs to the passers. If one player gains control first and an opponent subsequently gains joint control, it is not considered a simultaneous catch. If the ball is muffed after simultaneous touching by two such players, all the players of the passing team become eligible to catch the loose ball.

The Complexity of Catch Determinations

Determining whether a play constitutes a catch can be complex, especially in real-time situations. Even with replay, it can be challenging to make a definitive call. As the NFL continues to refine its rules and procedures, the debate over what constitutes a catch will likely persist.