Officials continue to ignore the other ways to finish a catch, beyond taking a third step

Since the NFL implemented a rule stating that a player who gets a third foot down during a catch is automatically considered to have caught the ball, officials have placed greater emphasis on the third step. However, this focus on the third step has led to the sidelining of other methods to complete a catch successfully, according to the league's officiating spokesman.

The rule, outlined in Rule 8, Article 1, Section 3, specifies that a catch is made when a player inbounds secures control of the ball prior to it touching the ground, touches the ground inbounds with either feet or any other part of his body (excluding his hands), and then performs an act common to the game. This can involve extending the ball forward, taking an additional step, tucking the ball away and turning upfield, or avoiding an opponent.

During a recent game between the Lions and Panthers, Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs caught a pass, got two feet down, tucked the ball, and turned upfield. Despite being hit and fumbling the ball, a Lions receiver ran it in for a touchdown. The ruling on the field, however, was that Gibbs had not caught the ball, and the call stood after a challenge by the Lions. This decision is based solely on the player getting a third foot down, disregarding the other steps outlined in the rule.

The fact that this ruling on the field was upheld on replay review suggests that those reviewing the play at 345 Park Avenue are only focused on the third step, overlooking the other ways to successfully complete a catch.