Panthers got screwed out of a fumble, proving NFL still doesn’t know what a catch is

The Panthers look like they got robbed out of a fumble on this play.

What’s a catch in the NFL? Even after years of arguments and rule clarifications, the answer doesn’t seem any more certain. You can read the official rule summary of what constitutes an NFL catch here, but essentially it’s a three part process: 1) secure the ball, 2) stay inbounds, and 3) “perform any act common to the game (e.g., tuck the ball away, extend it forward, take an additional step, turn upfield.”

It sure feels like Los Angeles Chargers tight end Eric Tomlinson completed a catch in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in Week 2. He appeared to have possession, take two steps, and make a ‘football move’ by advancing up field. Panthers defensive back Jaycee Horn punched the ball out, which was initially ruled a fumble. It looks like a fumble to these eyes. Unfortunately for the Panthers, the refs overturned it.

On the very next play, Chargers QB Justin Herbert threw a touchdown pass.

Here’s the fumble that wasn’t a fumble. Watch the play and judge for yourself.

Herbert found Quentin Johnston for a 29-yard touchdown strike on the next play. Rarely do you see an overturned call affect the game in such an obviously significant way.

The Panthers can’t afford to get robbed out of important plays like this one. It looks like another long Sunday for Carolina.