Despite the controversial interception near the end of the Denver Broncos’ overtime win over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round, it appears that the NFL rulebook won’t be changing anytime soon.
According to Mark Maske of the Washington Post, the NFL and the competition committee are not planning to pursue “major changes” to the catch rule this offseason. Maske added that there could be steps taken “to promote better understanding of rulings,” and any team is still free to submit a proposal for a potential change.
The Bills were driving down the field for a potential game-winning score in overtime when star quarterback Josh Allen launched a deep pass to Brandin Cooks. The ball landed in the veteran wideout’s hands, but as he went to the ground, Broncos defensive back Ja’Quan McMillian gained possession of the ball to secure the interception. Denver managed to set up the game-winning field goal on the ensuing drive to advance to the AFC Championship Game, where it will face the New England Patriots this Sunday.
Turnovers are automatically reviewed, and McMillian’s interception was not reversed by replay.
“The reason it’s not a catch is as the receiver is going to the ground, as soon as he hits the ground, the ball is immediately loose,” Walt Anderson, the league’s officiating rules analyst, said during an appearance Sunday on the NFL Network, per Maske. “By definition, that would be normally an incomplete pass if it comes out and hits the ground.”
While the Bills may want to pursue a rule change this offseason, Maske reported that “one of the people with knowledge of the leaguewide process” declared that the “language is pretty clear,” while adding that the league and committee “may need more video to ensure everyone is on the same page.”
Losing the game after the controversial play had major ramifications for Buffalo, as head coach Sean McDermott was fired on Monday. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Bills try to rectify things with a rule change proposal, but it sounds like the league’s stance on the matter is clear.
This content was brought to you by: Bleacher Report – Front Page
