ESPN: Goodell: 'We want to find a better solution' for defining a catch

[viman96]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/1...ys-league-look-improve-rule-defining-catch-is

IRVING, Texas -- Since Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant's catch at the goal line in Dallas' playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers last January was overturned, what is or isn't a catch has been difficult to define.

It's been such an issue that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has reached out to those outside the game for help. Goodell said the league will look to improve the rule of what is -- or isn't -- a catch.

"The Competition Committee has looked at that, but I'll go one step further with you: A couple weeks ago, I asked several football personnel, including former GMs, current GMs, current individuals, former players, former officials, to come together and try to see if we can study this and come up with some proposals for the Competition Committee to consider," Goodell said at the conclusion of Wednesday's owners meeting outside Dallas. "We want clarity to that. We want to find a better solution if it's out there."

 

[Doomsay]

Too late - we was robbed.

 

[Daillest88]

Too late - we was robbed.

True.. But easy solution, go back how it use to be, have control 2 steps, catch. End of convo

 

[Craig]

How about go with "control". That should involve catching and moving up field, the ball never popping lose, or something like catching the ball and clearly changing it to your other hand and maintaining control.

 

[KJJ]

Seeing that the league has no idea what a catch is they need a better solution to define it. How about when a receiver catches the ball it's a catch? That works for me. lol

 

[Plumfool]

When instant replay came onto the scene, this is when the catch rule started to get confusing. Pieces were added and amended to define a catch. Imo a catch should be two feet inbounds and control. If there is no control, i.e. A bobble or juggle and player goes out of bounds or ball hits the turf then it's incomplete.

 

[percyhoward]

There was nothing wrong with letting completion of the 3-step catch process determine it. The people who made the original rule knew exactly what they were doing, and it should never have been changed.

The problem was that the guy in charge said that a one-handed reach somehow was not proof that Dez was trying to score, even though you can reach with one hand and score.

 

[BoysfanfromCanada]

The problem I think is if you go with "possession with two feet in bounds", then fumbles right after a catch become that rather than incomplete passes. The two are related. Make it too easy for a catch, then you make it easier to fumble

 

[T-RO]

Years ago the league had a easy-to-understand and fair rule. There was no reason to change it.

Until the league decided to increase the sophistication with which it could manipulate outcomes. Suddenly in the past 5-10 years they've invented seemingly 10,000 new rules...all with exceptions and counter-rules...It worked!. They have created a massive fog under which they can make any interpretation they wish....on any play.

The NFL is dead...except for the fools who want to gamble (ie. donate) their money away...which is what the games now are principally about.

 

[Hoofbite]

Anyone see Michael Crabtree's play that was overturned?

I've said it numerous times, the solution is very simple. The rule should only apply if going to the ground is an absolute prerequisite to making the catch.

Diving, sliding for a low and away pass, and tip-toeing the sideline. These are all plays where a player cannot remain upright and make the catch. Let the rule apply here. Basically, any play where the actual process of going to the ground has started before the ball touches the receivers hands. If you're stumbling or falling to the ground prior to the ball arriving, you'll have to retain possession beyond hitting the ground.

The only time I think a leaping player should be included is if forceable contact prevents a player from landing upright. Treat it like a dive. If a guy couldn't absorb the hit and land upright, he needs to hold onto the ball. Dez and Calvin both landed upright and shouldn't have been subject to the rule.

It's pretty clear the current rules are just too damn undefined and apply to far too many receptions.

 

[MagicMan]

And while you're at it Goodell, why don't you try to define pass interference, defensive holding, offensive holding, pick play, grounding, end zone fumbles, illegal hit on back, facemask grab and targeting. All these are used selectively by the officials and applied when it seems appropriate and serves their interest. Its WWF nowadays. I detest Ray Lewis, but I agree that who in their right mind would want to play defense in the NFL?

BTW, get you some dammmm full time officials while you're at it first and foremost.

 

[percyhoward]

The rule should only apply if going to the ground is an absolute prerequisite to making the catch.

That's how it was always supposed to be. If the 3 parts of the catch process were completed, then the player wasn't "going to the ground" to make the catch. The catch had already been made.

1. control
2. two feet
3. football move

Only 2 parts of the process completed? Not a catch until he maintains control after hitting the ground. Going to the ground must have been an absolute prerequisite for making the catch, based on observable requirements.

 

[rynochop]

I'm still more pissed at what they called a catch that clearly hit the ground for the pack then I am the Dez non catch.

What in the actual **** was that?

 

[Hoofbite]

The problem I think is if you go with "possession with two feet in bounds", then fumbles right after a catch become that rather than incomplete passes. The two are related. Make it too easy for a catch, then you make it easier to fumble

Players would still have to satisfy the requirements for a completed pass. 2 feet down, secured possession, and the element of time.

The problem with the rule is that the "going to the ground" can supercede all 3 aspects individually or as a whole.

They could solve a lot of the issues if they just changed the rule to only apply when a player "hits the ground" prior to satisfying all 3 requirements rather than arbitrarily determining when his "process" of going to the ground began.

Don't worry about anything that took place prior to contact with the ground. If a guy is falling and is able to satisfy the feet and element of time on the way to the ground, count it. Of course, you couldn't actually satisfy the securing of possession on the way to the ground unless it was a hell of a long process. They'd just do the milk maid signal and say the guy was bobbling the ball if it came out after contact with the ground.

 

[robjay04]

Throw out the rule book. Let the rules make sense again and let the officiating and game overall look better.

Everything should not be that complicated, it is just a game. At the end of the day, the rules do not need much more detail than high school ball. The more they try to perfect every aspect, the worse the product.

 

[AzCowboysFan]

BTW, get you some dammmm full time officials while you're at it first and foremost.

Agreed!

 

[MRV52]

Hands firmly wrapped around the ball, 1 foot in, the other foot also in. Hey it's a catch!!!!

 

[Seven]

And while you're at it Goodell, why don't you try to define pass interference, defensive holding, offensive holding, pick play, grounding, end zone fumbles, illegal hit on back, facemask grab and targeting. All these are used selectively by the officials and applied when it seems appropriate and serves their interest. Its WWF nowadays. I detest Ray Lewis, but I agree that who in their right mind would want to play defense in the NFL?

BTW, get you some dammmm full time officials while you're at it first and foremost.

..............and don't be prejudiced when doing it.

Breathe on Brady and you get the hanky. Same for Rogers.

 

[Seven]

Hands firmly wrapped around the ball, 1 foot in, the other foot also in. Hey it's a catch!!!!

Done.

 

[AzCowboysFan]

The problem I think is if you go with "possession with two feet in bounds", then fumbles right after a catch become that rather than incomplete passes. The two are related. Make it too easy for a catch, then you make it easier to fumble

Maybe our D could get more turnovers!