-Ravens’ Harbaugh on Confusing NFL Catch Rule
- * The Issue: Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh is frustrated with the NFL's catch rule after a potential game-winning touchdown by Isaiah Likely was overturned against the Pittsburgh...
Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the provided text:
* The Issue: Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh is frustrated with the NFL’s catch rule after a potential game-winning touchdown by Isaiah Likely was overturned against the Pittsburgh steelers.
* The Play: Isaiah Likely appeared to score a 13-yard touchdown from a pass by Lamar Jackson, which would have given the Ravens a lead with 2:43 left.
* The Overturn: The referees initially ruled it a touchdown, but then overturned it, calling it an incomplete pass. Joey Porter Jr. of the steelers punched the ball out before Likely completed a third step in the end zone.
* NFL Clarification: NFL replay official Mark Butterworth stated that the “third step” is considered a common act in football and must be completed for the catch to stand.
* Harbaugh’s Reaction: Harbaugh feels the rule is unclear, stating it’s “as clear as mud.”
* Rule Reference: The article references Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, which defines a completed forward pass.
* Reporter Information: The article mentions Jamison Hensley,a ravens beat writer for ESPN,who won a sportswriter award and authored a book about the team. He previously covered the Ravens for the Baltimore Sun from 2000-2011.
