Rich McKay: Dez Bryant play was catalyst for changing catch rule
NFL fans who are happy to see a clearer definition of the catch rule have the infamous Dez Bryant non-catch in the 2015 NFC Playoffs to thank.
The call cost the Cowboys the game, but according to NFL Competition Committee chair Rich McKay, it was what made many in the league realize that the rule needed to be changed, or at least more clearly defined.
Rich McKay, NFL competition committee chair, says “I think Dez Bryant was the start of us realizing maybe something needs to change.” Credits officials for calling that and many others catches on the field. Says the language in replay was getting them.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 26, 2018
Under the new rules, Bryant’s catch would have been allowed to stand.
The fact that the play was so crucial in such a big game undoubtedly helped raise its profile, even though there have been many controversial non-catches over the years. The only pity is it took three years to make a change that has been overdue for much longer than that.