THE RECEIVERS ARE THAT GOOD.

The true professional concentrates on eliminating errors.

One of the referees from the Thanksgiving game between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions had an intriguing explanation for wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks’ touchdown play.

The highlight took place early into the second quarter. Wicks caught a 22-yard pass from quarterback Jordan Love as he had a great contest from the Lions defender. He maintained his balance while keeping his feet inside the end zone, preventing them from going out of bounds.

Lions reporter Colton Pouncy interviewed the NFL’s Vice President of Instant Replay Mark Butterworth after the game. One of the topics involved Wicks’ touchdown, which the referee explained why they upheld the call.

“What did you see on the second quarter touchdown to Dontayvion Wicks that led you to confirm he had possession of the ball and both feet in bounds?” Pouncy asked.

“The ruling on the field was a touchdown. We saw control with his right foot down and his left down in the end zone and then a third step out of the end zone,” Butterworth answered.

“Was there any discussion about a bobble?” Pouncy followed up.

“No. These receivers are that good. He controls the ball with his hand. But with his hands or arm above his body, while pulling it down, by rule, he can actually pull that ball into his body as he completes the process of a catch,” Butterworth replied.

Yes, on Thanksgiving, and Lion defenders can still get away with pass interference.

There is enough in the definition of a "catch," particularly that "completing the process" part that the next spectacular catch you see might not, after review, be a catch. A well-executed sideline catch with both feet inbounds and the receiver promptly going out of bounds can, by rule, be not a catch because the receiver has not made a proper football move.  Watch for something like that to present between now and the end of the Super Bowl.