The NFL is Considering 19 Rule Changes, But None Involve the Catch Rule

The list of items being considered for rule changes, either submitted by the Competition Committee or by individual clubs, is fairly large. The topics range from eliminating the chop block, to changes in the replay, to the proposed rule on ejection after multiple personal fouls, to quarterbacks getting up off the ground.

None are related to the ridiculous catch rule.

Yes, because the problem is the education of the public. It’s not that commentators, people that write about the game and watch constantly, former officials, and current officials seem to have no clue where the distinction lies.

In truth, the problem is it’s a bad rule. Then, they doubled down by re-wording the rule, not in such a way that made sense and simplified it, but in a way that tried to justify a few prominent examples (like the Dez Bryant play) but was ill-conceived. The past season showed just how poorly it was conceived.

But yes, let’s just educate. Good luck with that. I wrote my simplification when the Ted Ginn play happened last year.

"My change? Once a player has taken three different footsteps after finally satisfying provision (a) dealing with control, the going to the ground rule no longer applies. It has the simplistic effect of having a clear dividing line that leaves no interpretation. Applied to this case, Ginn has completed the catch because he maintains clear control for three steps. He is then down by contact, and the ball comes out after his butt hits the ground. Catch, down by contact, no fumble under my proposed rule."

I’m pretty sure at this point the NFL likes to court the controversy and buzz each week, and Dean Blandino likes to make television appearances.