The NFL spent much of last season trying to sort out what a catch was. Actually, this problem goes back further than that. But we thought they had a workable definition that would give teams some understanding as well as officials. But on Sunday, officials proved that theory wrong.
In Sunday’s game it appeared Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden had an interception of New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold. But the officials didn’t even give it a second though that it was an incomplete pass. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t throw the challenge flag and the game just moved forward.
Former NFL referee Gene Steratore explained in-game and then later on Twitter that this was absolutely an interception and had Tomlin challenged it, might have given the football to the Steelers.
This might seem inconsequential considering the Jets were forced to punt two plays later. But if you consider the idea of momentum, getting the football back on a turnover as opposed to a punt it far more significant.
