Once again, the NFL finds itself in the hot seat over a question that seems deceptively simple: What exactly constitutes a catch? This debate reignited after a controversial interception sealed the Buffalo Bills' fate in a heart-wrenching 33-30 playoff loss to the Denver Broncos on Saturday. The play in question? Josh Allen’s deep pass to Brandin Cooks in overtime, which was dramatically wrestled away by Ja’Quan McMillian. Officials ruled it an interception, stating McMillian secured the ball before Cooks was down by contact, awarding Denver possession at their 20-yard line.
But here's where it gets controversial: Referee Carl Cheffers explained that Cooks was in the process of going to the ground and lost possession upon impact, while McMillian was deemed to have completed the catch. Bills coach Sean McDermott was visibly frustrated, not just by the call itself, but by the apparent haste of the decision-making process. Despite calling a timeout to allow for further review, the ruling stood, leaving McDermott to lament the lack of thoroughness in such a pivotal moment.
And this is the part most people miss: This isn’t the first time the NFL has grappled with the definition of a catch. From Dez Bryant’s infamous non-catch in 2015 to similar plays in recent weeks—like Aaron Rodgers’ overturned interception in Week 14 and Cobie Durant’s interception-turned-touchdown in Week 12—the rule has been both a source of clarity and confusion. The NFL even overhauled the catch rule in 2018, removing the 'survive the ground' clause, yet ambiguity persists.
According to the NFL rule book, a catch requires three key elements: (a) securing control of the ball before it touches the ground, (b) touching the ground inbounds with both feet or another body part, and (c) performing a football move or maintaining control long enough to do so. Sounds straightforward, right? Not so fast. Movement of the ball doesn’t automatically mean loss of control, and if a player loses the ball upon hitting the ground before satisfying (c), it’s ruled incomplete. But what happens when two players catch the ball simultaneously? The rulebook says the ball belongs to the passers—unless one player gains control first.
Retired All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky both weighed in, expressing disbelief that such a contested play could end a team’s season. Sherman boldly stated, ‘I have never seen a contested catch like this ever be called anything but a catch.’ Orlovsky echoed the sentiment, calling it ‘a catch every time.’
So, here’s the million-dollar question: Is the NFL’s catch rule clear enough, or does it need another overhaul? Let’s spark some debate—do you think the current definition holds up, or is it time for a rethink? Share your thoughts below and let’s tackle this together!
