The NFL's head of officiating Dean Blandino has called on officials to improve their knowledge of what can and what can't be deemed as a catch on the field.
Inconsistent decisions have been a problem within the league this season, with recent incidents involving Miami Dolphins wideout Mike Wallace and Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys both drawing attention for their differing outcomes.
"The ball comes loose when he hits the ground. This is an incomplete pass. We didn't rule it this way," Blandino told NBC Sports regarding Wallace's 57-yard reception against the Carolina Panthers last Sunday. "Again, we've got to work and strive to be more consistent with our game officials to make sure they understand this.
"The Dez Bryant one against the Giants; he's got to hold onto the football when he lands. He doesn't. That's an incomplete pass, so this decision was correct.
"We'll continue to direct officials on this topic, on this issue and make sure that we continue to work on consistency in this area."
Blandino also admitted that even with video replays and challenges, it can sometimes be hard to make the correct call if the football is underneath the body of a player.
Joe McPhee
