Ball don’t lie: The 3 worst calls from NFL refs during Super Bowl 57

Super Bowl bad calls from NFL refs: What is a catch continued

Not long after, Dallas Goedert made a tough catch along the sideline that was reviewed by officials, once again in an ever-so-long process. Goedert appeared to bobble the ball as he was headed out of bounds.

Goedert’s catch was maintained after instant replay.

But that got us to thinking, what exactly is a catch? The NFL defines it as follows in their official rulebook:

"“A player who makes a catch may advance the ball. A forward pass is complete (by the offense) or intercepted (by the defense) in the field of play, at the sideline, or in the end zone if a player, who is inbounds: a. secures control of the ball in his hands or arms prior to the ball touching the ground; and b. touches the ground inbounds with both feet or with any part of his body other than his hands; and c. after (a) and (b) have been fulfilled, performs any act common to the game (e.g., tuck the ball away, extend it forward, take an additional step, turn upfield, or avoid or ward off an opponent), or he maintains control of the ball long enough to do so.”"

If you can tell me for a fact that Goedert completed that entire process, without a doubt, I’m not sure I’d believe you.

DeVonta Smith’s so-called no catch earlier in the game doesn’t inspire much confidence.

https://twitter.com/shannonsharpeee/status/1624938517423063040

It appeared as though Smith secured the catch, but when he went to the ground the ball moved ever so slightly. Why, then, was Smith’s play a drop, but Goedert’s a catch?

I’m a little confused.