What is easier to understand: the NFL catch rule or rocket science?

[jbcarol]

:

Point

Jesse James took a risk stretching for the end zone before he officially became a runner or hit the ground. Don't blame the rule because he didn't bother to read the very simple explanation in the rulebook.

Counterpoint

Say what you will about physics and rocket science, at least most of it is based on fact. All in all, rocket science is actually pretty simple: If the greatest amount of thrust is put on an object in the shortest amount of time, it will launch. That is guaranteed. There is no room for interpretation.

Kim Jong Un says "Hi"

[ArkyFan2626]

Rocket science. Seems like the catch rule changes from game to game.

[HiggiePiggy]

Changes depending on team.  I believe with New England winning it gives them home field through out the playoffs. 

[Albert Einswine]

Changes depending on team.  I believe with New England winning it gives them home field through out the playoffs. 

Only gives them the tiebreaker over Pittsburgh. They can't lose any games.

[HiggiePiggy]

Only gives them the tiebreaker over Pittsburgh. They can't lose any games.

I'm feeling pretty good that patriots will win out. Last 2 games are at home against 8-6 Bills and 5-9 jets. 

While the Steelers have 4-10 Texans and the mighty 0-14 Browns.  I'm betting both will win out and because of this bs call patriots will have home field

[Albert Einswine]

I'm feeling pretty good that patriots will win out. Last 2 games are at home against 8-6 Bills and 5-9 jets. 

While the Steelers have 4-10 Texans and the mighty 0-14 Browns.  I'm betting both will win out and because of this bs call patriots will have home field

Well, it's not a BS call, it's the rule. Player has to survive the ground. Can't hit the ground and lose control of the ball.

[bennyl08]

Well, it's not a BS call, it's the rule. Player has to survive the ground. Can't hit the ground and lose control of the ball.

Well, it simultaneously is and is not a BS call. Call it Schrodinger's Rule if you will.

Looking at the James catch's with Pitt, Bryant with the Cowboy's in the playoffs ew years back, and Calvin Johnson's, they all have similar things in common.

On the one hand, they all pretty clearly had control of the ball with their hands and made a "football move" with their hands after the catch. However, at the same time, they didn't have control of the rest of their bodies which were still falling/tumbling as a direct result of them going out for said catch.

So, it becomes essentially a clash of two competing rules. Can you make a football move when you only have control of your arms but not the rest of the body?

Most would agree somebody who's diving for a catch and has control of the ball while in the air, but loses control upon hitting the ground wouldn't have made the catch. The only real difference here is whether or not reaching with the ball before you hit the ground or before you have finished tumbling is somehow different.

Stretching the ball forward has always been a risky thing to do in football.

[RebelliousHog]

Well, it simultaneously is and is not a BS call. Call it Schrodinger's Rule if you will.

Looking at the James catch's with Pitt, Bryant with the Cowboy's in the playoffs ew years back, and Calvin Johnson's, they all have similar things in common.

On the one hand, they all pretty clearly had control of the ball with their hands and made a "football move" with their hands after the catch. However, at the same time, they didn't have control of the rest of their bodies which were still falling/tumbling as a direct result of them going out for said catch.

So, it becomes essentially a clash of two competing rules. Can you make a football move when you only have control of your arms but not the rest of the body?

Most would agree somebody who's diving for a catch and has control of the ball while in the air, but loses control upon hitting the ground wouldn't have made the catch. The only real difference here is whether or not reaching with the ball before you hit the ground or before you have finished tumbling is somehow different.

Stretching the ball forward has always been a risky thing to do in football.

Schrodingers?

How many people even know what that is? I'll bet more , now that everyone who read that post looked it up.

[bennyl08]

Schrodingers?

How many people even know what that is? I'll bet more , now that everyone who read that post looked it up.

Pretty sure most people have at least a passing familiarity with his cat.

[Kneph13]

That was a catch and should have been downed where his knee was.   That stupid reaching with the ball move should be done away with.

[HiggiePiggy]

That was a catch and should have been downed where his knee was.   That stupid reaching with the ball move should be done away with.

In college you are down when you fall. Not in the nfl. 

[Bubba's Bruisers]

The call was correct.  I'm sure the NFL will relook at the rule in the offseason.

[DeltaBoy]

It is a bullcrap rule.