It's undeniable that the rules constituting what is or isn't a catch have been an ongoing source of controversy. Some players have even openly voiced that the rule is too complicated. Odell Beckham, Devonta Freeman and Golden Tate are the latest victims of inconsistent rulings. Of course for Tate, the rulebook benefited the receiver.
However, Dez Bryant's fourth-quarter reception in last year's divisional playoffs at Lambeau Field reigns supreme. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has talked about Bryant's catch in the past, and discussed the infamous play again Wednesday on NFL HQ.
"Dez Bryant made an athletic catch that defied the rule. He was able to actually come down and go forward in the same motion to score the touchdown against Green Bay last year. That should have been a catch."
Jones was asked whether he felt the rules have ever been more controversial.
"No, I don't," Jones said. "I think this is really the most controversial. We've never had the visibility we have in our game the way we have -- the ability to replay. I voted for replay, I've voted against it on two different times and voted for it. The reason I voted against it was because on Monday morning 25 percent (of the calls) that were reversed on the field on Sunday were wrong on Monday morning.
Jones, who almost purchased the Chargers in 1966, touched on another endless debate -- bringing an NFL franchise back to Los Angeles.
"As you know, it's one of the contentious things between owners that we've had in years," he said. "It's frankly unfortunate that it's designed so that it's created that angst. These boys can handle it, we can handle it.
"The main thing is: Los Angeles, we want to wow them in Los Angeles while we've got to consider the issues in other cities. Now ironically, all three of these teams have left Los Angeles. ... Which two, or which one, goes back? That's been quite a debate but we've got some very qualified situations. Los Angeles is going to have an NFL team, and it is going to knock it out of the park."
