The catch rule is changing. But it isn’t really changing.
Despite no formal proposal to be tendered to ownership regarding a change to the rule setting forth the requirements for completing the process of catching the ball while going to the ground, Packers CEO Mark Murphy said Sunday that the rule likely will be tweaked.
“It’s really putting an emphasis on if you can establish yourself as a runner,” Murphy said, via John Kryk of the Toronto Sun. “If you can establish that you’re a runner, then by definition you’re not going to the ground.”
It’s a distinction without a difference; a pass-catcher establishing himself as a runner is no different than getting two feet down and performing an act common to the game or having the time to do so.
“I think it’s really just a clarification, not a rule change,” said Murphy, whose team benefited from the current rule in the divisional round of the playoffs against the Cowboys.
So why bother to clarify the rule at all? A real change is needed. Like the one proposed here on Friday night.