Why The Dallas Cowboys Successful Season Feels Like Failure

Let’s take a look at the official NFL rulebook. This is what is defined as a catch.

"A catch is made when a player inbounds secures possession of a pass, kick, or fumble in flight (See 8-1-3)."

and here is Rule 8-1-3 which is specific to a player going to the ground:

"“If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball throughout the process of contacting the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete.”"

As the first half was nearing its end, Green Bay was driving for what would turn out to be a made field goal.  That drive was aided by the following “catch” by receiver Randall Cobb.

As you can tell during this attempt, he did not “maintain control of the ball throughout the process of contacting the ground,” and the ball “touches the ground before he regains control”, so therefore, by rule, the pass is incomplete.

Except for it was ruled a completion, both at the time of the catch and under review.