The NFL and its officials seem to have a serious problem when it comes to making the determination of what a catch is, particularly a touchdown catch. The latest, most egregious example comes from the Green Bay Packers game against the New York Giants. Aaron Rodger thew a 20-yard pass to Greg Jennings in the end zone. It was called a touchdown, and an official review upheld the call.
Calling it a catch is generous, very generous. Jennings never looked like he had possession of it, certainly not control of it. See for yourself in the video.
Outside of the Packer partisans, you can search far and wide and will not find many who agree with the call.
Former Vice President of Officiating for the NFL and Fox analyst Mike Pereira explained the call via Twitter.
Jennings had control with his left hand and two feet on the ground and remember the original ruling was a TD…
and the ref said the call stands therefore it would have remained even if it was called incomplete.
And what about the controversial Calvin Johnson ruling ? No comparison, says Pereira.
The process of the catch only applies to going to the ground. This is not comparable to the Johnson catch. Jennings wasn’t going to ground.
This is turning out to be a close game, if the outcome hinges on this call, expect plenty of controversy.