GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Super Bowl is watched by millions of people around the world, so it’s only fitting that a global audience gets to see the NFL overthink the most basic aspects of its game.
The league still doesn’t know what a catch is.
During the second quarter of Sunday’s Super Bowl 57 in Arizona, Jalen Hurts connected on a deep pass to DeVonta Smith as the Eagles receiver was brought down beyond the sidelines. By all indications, it was a catch. Smith made several steps before being brought down, but replays would show that the ball hit the ground after the tackle.
Omg what a play by DeVonta Smith, if it stands.
Might be another big pass play by Jalen Hurts.
Do you think it's a catch or not?pic.twitter.com/PzAhHv1ZtU
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 13, 2023
Given that the game was under two minutes in the half, the play went to review. Initially, the Chiefs defense was certain that the play was getting overturned — they even went back to the initial spot to wait out the review. Then, the Eagles players called them back, thinking the play was going to stand. After all that, though, the officials ruled that the play was incomplete.
— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) February 13, 2023
To overturn the call on the field, it has to be clear and obvious. But at the same time, if the review takes as long as this one did, there’s nothing obvious about it.
No wonder fans were confused that the officials overturned the catch.
This was how Twitter reacted
receiver didn’t complete all moves to cha-cha slide before securing possession. not a catch
— Joe Ali (@JoeAli) February 13, 2023
🫢 that’s a catch man
— Jerry Jeudy⁴ (@jerryjeudy) February 13, 2023
If that’s not a catch change the rule.
Again.
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) February 13, 2023
There has never been a catch in the NFL
— BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL (@edsbs) February 13, 2023
Candidly, I have no idea whether that is a catch or not.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 13, 2023
That’s a catch smh
— Hollywood Brown (@Primetime_jet) February 13, 2023
I wasn't ready for the emotional swing of Mahomes injury, dog lifespan commercial, and three-minute long catch review
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) February 13, 2023
That’s a catch playa
— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) February 13, 2023
That should be a catch
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) February 13, 2023
It really shouldn’t be this complicated.
