The NFL decision makers will meet in Orlando, Florida beginning on Monday at the NFL Owners Meetings, and everyone will be paying attention to potential changes in what has become the league’s hot button topic this year – the catch/no catch rule.
Among those watching closely will be Jesse James, who is hoping the NFL Competition Committee and the owners bring some clarity to what defines a catch.
The Competition Committee has proposed what they believe the language should be for what constitutes a catch, and the proposal will be up for a vote during the meetings. The language reads: control of the ball; getting two feet down or another body part; performing a football move such as a third step, extending for the line-to-gain, or the ability to perform such an act.
According to Al Riveron, Senior Vice President of Officiating, under the new guidelines James’ catch against the New England Patriots in Week 15 that was ruled no catch by Riveron, would now be a catch and would have been a touchdown.
The play happened in the fourth quarter, with the Steelers down 27-24, and just 34 seconds on the clock. Ben Roethlisberger connected with James for a 10-yard touchdown, with James going to the ground as he extended for the end zone. The play was ruled a touchdown on the field, but…
