Even NFL Officials Don't Know What a Catch Is, Which Is Bad
By Kyle Koster
The Buffalo Bills had an apparent Kelvin Benjamin touchdown taken off the board on Sunday against the New England Patriots after a replay review.
The controversial call has further muddied the already murky definition of a “catch.” The league explained the ruling by asserting that Benjamin’s left foot was off the ground when he gained possession.
Reasonable minds can disagree on the validity of such a statement. They can also agree that it looked like a catch.
Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor and coach Sean McDermott were understandably perplexed in real time. More telling, though, is the official unable to make hide or hair of the call himself.
" Sean McDermott: “How is that not a catch?!” Ref: “I don’t know.” pic.twitter.com/ovUmXQ1B1h — John Barchard (@JohnBarchard) December 27, 2017 "
I’ve been of the mindset that many people lamenting they “don’t know what a catch is anymore” actually do know, they just don’t like the rule. But seeing an honest official admit he’s as confused as the viewing public is a game-changer.
A person tasked with enforcing the rules who is unable to understand the rules is not the reflection of a sustainable status quo. It shouldn’t be so complicated. And yet here we are, still searching for satisfying answers.