NFL Catch Review Lab | Official Possession & Replay Inspector

Controversial Review Presets 5 Cases

NFL Rule 8-1-3 Replay Checklist INCOMPLETE

FAIL

1. Firm Control / Secure Ball

Zero uncontrolled displacement before contact

38%

PASS

2. Both Feet Inbounds / Body Part

Two feet, knee, or shin down inbounds

2 Feet

FAIL

3. Time / Football Move / Ground

Act common to the game or survives turf jar

0.31s

Receiver Grip Pressure 68%

Ball Displacement on Ground Contact 4.2 in

Sideline Boundary Offset (Feet) +0.5 ft In

Football Move Duration 0.35 s

NFL Rules Analyst Breakdown Gene Steratore / CBS

"I'm surprised by it, Jim. I just don't think Jake Ferguson has possession of that football firmly enough ... I think it's incomplete, personally."

Analysis: When going to the ground to catch, the receiver must maintain control of the ball throughout the process of contacting the ground. If the ball moves noticeably when touching turf without firm hands, it fails Article 3 Item 1.

View Official NFL Rulebook Language (Rule 8, Section 1)

Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3 (Completed or Intercepted Pass):

A player who goes to the ground in the process of attempting to secure a catch, with or without contact by an opponent, must maintain complete and continuous control of the ball throughout the process of contacting the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone.

If the ball touches the ground and remains firm in his grasp, it is a catch.
If the ball touches the ground and loosens or shifts away from the receiver’s body before complete possession is established, the pass is incomplete.
If the receiver has clearly tucked the ball or performed an act common to the game (e.g., third step, lunging forward), the catch is deemed complete prior to contact with the ground, making subsequent ground jarring a fumble rather than an incomplete pass.

CAM 1: HIGH REPLAY CART (120 FPS)

RULE 8-1-3 POSSESSION INSPECTION

F: 00 / 100

Ball Displacement

4.2 cm

Turf Impact Force

31.4 G

Boundary Margin

+4.8 in IN

Review Decision

OVERTURN

Replay Command Center Analysis New York Command Center Synced

Scrubbing through Frame 42 to 68 reveals that as Jake Ferguson’s shoulder impacts the sideline turf, the football pivots away from the chest cavity without continuous hand pressure. Under NFL Rule 8 Section 1, the ground cannot cause a fumble, but it can dislodge an uncompleted catch.