Ravens’ Harbaugh calls NFL Catch Rule ‘Clear as Mud’ After Controversial Call
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh is seeking further clarification on the NFL’s catch rule following the overturning of Isaiah Likely‘s go-ahead touchdown in Sunday’s 27-22 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“It’s about as clear as mud right now,” Harbaugh said Monday. “That’s how I feel about it.”
The referees initially ruled Likely scored on a 13-yard pass from Lamar Jackson – which would have given the Ravens a one-point lead with 2:43 remaining – despite the tight end losing the ball in the end zone.
However, less than a minute later, referee Alex Moore announced it was an incompletion. Likely had the ball punched out by Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. before he made a third step in the end zone. NFL vice president of instant replay Mark Butterworth explained in a pool report Sunday that the third step is “an act common to the game” and needed to be completed in order for it to be ruled a touchdown.
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