The NFL’s Senior Vice President of Officiating is standing behind the call to overturn Zach Miller’s touchdown in the Chicago Bears’ 20-12 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 8.
Alberto Riveron, who is in his first year in this position, explained the overturn in a video released by the league on Wednesday morning. Riveron points out on three occasions in which he (and apparently, his replay officials) believe the ball is lose.
A play in three parts:
“As he’s coming down right there, the ball is loose. Before he contacts the ground, he must regain control of the football.” pic.twitter.com/2ssu5TDiGz
— The Ten-Yard Line (@TheTenYardLine) November 1, 2017
“Now we’re looking for the ball to make sure it does not hit the ground because we know he does not have control.” pic.twitter.com/FKgz3qqLM5
— The Ten-Yard Line (@TheTenYardLine) November 1, 2017
“The ball is on the ground. We know he did not re-gain control. Therefore, it’s an incomplete pass regardless of what happens after this.” pic.twitter.com/js3xcwAOtE
— The Ten-Yard Line (@TheTenYardLine) November 1, 2017
It’s not the explanation Bears fans, coaches, players, or even Miller himself probably wanted to hear. You could also probably make the case it’s not much of a satisfactory explanation either. That the NFL went to such lengths to stand by their call, which neither of Riveron’s predecessors – whether it’s Dean Blandino or Mike Pereira via CBS Chicago – would agree with, says a lot about the league’s rules regarding what constitutes a catch.
And if that’s what passes as conclusive evidence to overturn a catch, I have a feeling we’ll have more of these controversies in the weeks, months, and years to come.