In the final minutes of a thrilling Super Bowl, things came to an absolute standstill as referees, again, had to determine whether a potential touchdown catch followed the letter of the law.
Here's the play in question:
.@ZERTZ_86, and the #Eagles take the lead.#SBLII | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/9sDAh6B4VQ
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) February 5, 2018
Eventually, it was determined that Eagles tight end Zach Ertz did possess the ball, took a few steps, and broke the plane of the goal line for a touchdown before losing control.
The touchdown proved to be the game-winning points.
Unsurprisingly, Twitter users voiced their varied opinions about the whole thing as it occurred in real-time:
Fitting that the Super Bowl hangs on whether it’s a catch.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 5, 2018
If that isn't a touchdown then just scrap the rules and start over.
— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) February 5, 2018
Al Riveron needs an adult diaper right about now.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 5, 2018
If that's not a touchdown society is doomed.
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) February 5, 2018
No different than Dez Bryant catch. Dez caught it. Ertz caught it. But if you allow this after reversing Dez. There will be mutiny in Dallas
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) February 5, 2018
no catches have ever actually happened
— Richard Kochenbalz (@IAmSpilly) February 5, 2018
Eagles requesting an overturn cause they left too much time for Brady.
— Kevin Patra (@kpatra) February 5, 2018
OF COURSE this unbelievable game comes down to this crap
— Matthew Coller (@MatthewColler) February 5, 2018
This is Goodell’s worst nightmare.
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) February 5, 2018
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has hinted that revising the NFL's convoluted catch rule will be a priority this offseason.
It better be.
