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Eagles

The NFL Competition Committee Will Recommend Changes to the League’s Catch Rule Next Week

Bob Wankel

By Bob Wankel

Published:

PHOTO CREDIT: BRACE HEMMELGARN-USA TODAY SPORTS

With 7:25 remaining in the third quarter of Super Bowl 52 and the Eagles clinging to a 22-19 lead, Nick Foles connected with Corey Clement in the back of the end zone on a spectacular 22-yard touchdown pass:

It was one of a handful of defining plays in a game that wouldn’t be decided, of course, until a last-second Tom Brady desperation heave fell incomplete in the end zone as time expired.

The play, like many similar ones over the past few seasons, was hotly debated in the days following the game. Many believed the catch, which helped stave off a furious New England second half push, shouldn’t have been a catch at all. Thus, rather than simply enjoying what was a fantastic play in a crucial spot, we were forced to listen as pundits scrutinized the nuances of what constitutes a catch in the NFL, bringing us the most fiery of takes such as this one:

https://youtu.be/HzB7yUkHBXA

Valid point? Maybe. But also – shut up.

Anyway, altering the catch rule was one of the NFL’s top priorities this offseason, given the weekly befuddlement of fans, players, coaches, and even referees over what makes a catch, well, a catch. According to NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating Al Riveron, the NFL Competition Committee has come to an agreement on changes to the existing rule that will be unveiled at the league’s annual meetings next week.

As for Clement’s touchdown, it was ruled a catch in the Super Bowl and it will be ruled a catch this upcoming season if the proposal is approved as expected.

The changes should result in both more catches and more fumbles, but it remains to be seen if it will also result in less confusion. And, hey, good news for Cowboys fans. I know it’s been a slow offseason, aside from that electric late-round pick swap and acquisition of fullback Jamize Olawale from the Raiders, but here’s something to fall back on. That Dez Bryant drop late in the 2014 NFC Divisional Playoff game in Green Bay that you haven’t stopped talking about for the past three seasons? Under the new proposal, it would be ruled a catch:

One more reason to live in the past. Good for you guys.

Bob Wankel
Bob Wankel

Bob Wankel covers the Phillies for Crossing Broad. He is also the Vice President of Sports Betting Content at SportRadar. On Twitter: @Bob_Wankel E-mail: b.wankel@sportradar.com

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