George Pickens reignites the NFL’s “What’s a catch” debate on Monday Night Football

Well, thanks to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, we now know a little more about the NFL’s catch rule.

When the rule book states that a receiver must bring both feet into bounds to complete the catch, they officially mean two DIFFERENT feet.

Somehow on Monday Night Football against the New York Giants, Pickens managed to catch the ball in the middle of the end zone, put his right foot on the ground TWICE, but never actually put his left foot on the ground.

Therefore, the referees ruled the catch incomplete, reigniting the age-old NFL debate: “WHAT IS A CATCH?!”

I understand that the rule is the rule…but if that’s not a catch, I’m not sure what a catch is.

When you see exactly where Pickens was when he caught the ball, it’s truly incredible that he couldn’t get his left foot on the ground.

The NFL’s catch rule might be a problem (it is), but receivers know they have to get both feet on their feet to make a catch.

In this case, the blame falls on Pickens for failing to accommodate his left foot. Elite receivers generally have excellent field awareness and find a way to gain a foothold inbounds in situations where that seems impossible.

It’s almost inexcusable that Pickens couldn’t put his left foot down when he caught the ball a full two yards from the goal line.

Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens had a touchdown catch recalled against the NY Giants on Monday Night Football.

(Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Other than that, this should still count as a catch.

This wasn’t the only touchdown George Pickens lost that night either. Early in the first half, quarterback Russell Wilson hit a wide-open Pickens for a would-be touchdown.

However, that goal was lost due to a penalty on the Steelers’ offensive line, as Pickens was certainly behind with both feet on this play.

Tough night for George Pickens fantasy football owners and those betting on the receiver to score a touchdown.

But that’s why it’s called gambling!