What is a catch/Tate TD ?

[BmorePat87]

Blandino's explanation:

"The ruling on the field was an interception. Golden Tate controlled the pass right at the goal line," Blandino said. "The ball came loose and was eventually caught by a Chicago defender. This is different than the plays we've been talking about, the Dez Bryant play or the Calvin Johnson play. This is not a receiver who's going to the ground. The issue here is, did he become a runner before the ball came loose? Did he have control, both feet down, and then time enough to become a runner after the second foot is down?

When you watch the play the ball comes loose, he is taking his third step, the third step is almost on the ground when the ball comes out. He had demonstrated possession, had become a runner, once the ball breaks the plane of the goal line in possession of a runner it is a touchdown and the play is over at that point."



Had this occurred on the 50 yard line or so, it would have been a fumble recovered by Chicago, not a pick, as Tate had possession and then lost it.