Steelers' overturned touchdown adds to confusion over NFL's catch rule
Steelers tight end Jesse James' catch near the end of the game against the New England Patriots was a touchdown, until it wasn't.
The ruling on the field said he scored, but when the play was reviewed, NFL officials came back and declared that he did not complete the catch, the catch did not "survive the ground" they said. No score.
Steelers ball on the 10-yard line with 28 seconds to play. Two plays later Ben Roethlisberger is intercepted in the End Zone and the game over.
The James' catch, or not-catch, joins a growing list of NFL football plays that has led fans, players, analysts to ask "What's a catch in the NFL?"
Here's some of the most glaring examples of plays that looked like catches, but then weren't.
* Steelers Jesse James against the Patriots (2017)
Here's video of the catch - non-catch - with an explanation from the NFL officials.
The video is an explanation from @NFL SVP of Officiating Al Riveron on the reversal at the end of the #NEvsPIT game. pic.twitter.com/hm5EeoZTER
" NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) December 18, 2017
* Cowboys' Dez Bryant against the Packers (2014)
In 2014 NFC division matchup game Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant seemingly made a spectular catch in the fourth quarter to give the Cowboys a chance to score against the Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter. The ruling on the field marked the ball at the one-yard line.
But then Packers coach Mike McCarthy challenged the call and the referees came back to rule the receiver did not maintain possession of the football during the process of the catch. Packers got the ball back and won the game. Watch the play .
* Lions' Calvin Johnson against the Bears (2010)
The controversy about what makes a catch started in many ways in 2010 when a touchdown reception for Detroit Lions wideout Calvin Johnson against the Chicago Bears was overturned and ruled incomplete. The catch would have won the game for the Lions.
Calvin Johnson would like a word with those calling this the worst call in history. Remember who the rule is named after. pic.twitter.com/BLWEvF55Xq
" Common Tater (@wolverine66) December 18, 2017
* Bengals' Tyler Eifert against the Ravens (2015)
In 2015 Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert had a touchdown negated right before halftime after a catch at the end zone was called back. He caught the pass, but didn't complete the catch against the Baltimore Ravens. Bengals held on to win. Watch the play .
* Giants' Odell Beckham against the Patriots (2015)
In week 10 of 2015 against the Patriots, wide receiver Odell Beckham of the Giants had a touchdown overturned when officials ruled the he didn't complete the pass as Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler stripped in away. Watch the play .
* Lions Golden Tate against the Bears (2015)
In this 2015 case, the ruling went for the receiver. The Lions Golden Tate had a catch in the End Zone, but juggled it and it was batted around until the Bears defenders came down with. The ruling of an interception was reversed and the touchdown stood. Watch the play .
Matthew Stafford finds Golden Tate in the end zone.
Tate loses the ball but...doesn't matter. Touchdown.#CHIvsDET http://t.co/8oIFqMaj4Z" NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2015
