The NFL’s top official does not anticipate a major overhaul to the catch rule but admits there could be “another tweak.”
A newly formed catch rule committee announced in December was pushed by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to explore possible changes.
Goodell has said he understands fans’ frustration on the “catch or no catch” question.
Dean Blandino, the NFL’s vice president of officiating, said he was satisfied with the catch rule this season.
“We think that the rule is in a good place right now,” said Blandino, appearing on NFL Network before Sunday’s Pro Bowl. “I really think it’s just communicating the rule and educating, There’s a subjective element to the rule so there are always going to be those plays where we debate (what happened).”
The NFL made mostly cosmetic adjustments to the rule last year. The most controversial part of the rule is when a player goes to the ground while making a catch and then fails to maintain possession upon landing.
“Maybe there’s another tweak,” Blandino said. “But I don’t anticipate any major changes.”
Dallas Cowboys star receiver Dez Bryant has volunteered to provide input to the committee, which includes former general manager Bill Polian, now an ESPN analyst and a member of the Hall of Fame.
Bryant’s apparent fourth-down catch in the fourth quarter of the 2014 season’s NFC divisional playoff against the Green Bay Packers was overturned by a replay challenge, causing fans to scratch their heads once again.