The Catch Rule

[pbmax]

Perhaps they should chuck the rule about the ground not causing a fumble too? If you lose the ball before the whistle is blown too bad for you.

This is the kind of thing that used to make sense, but I am not sure it does anymore. The whistle used to stop everything and early whistles were early whistles.

But with refs swallowing the whistle whenever there is a possible question about possession (to let the play run its course if turnover) the whistle often gets blown late.

[mraynrand]

If we don't like the rule as currently stands, what is the alternative? My inclination is to change the rule in the end zone - some form of control in the end zone means TD and the play is over (like when the running back breaks the plane and then someone knocks the ball out - did he go to the ground 'with control'? Who cares, he scored the TD) Same should apply to a reception - you have control in the end zone (hold the ball, break plane) or catch with control in the end zone with feet down you have a TD and the play is over - nothing after matters.