Patriots gridiron news: Bill Belichick weighs in on NFL catch rule
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick says the NFL’s current catch rule is a tough rule, but overall is “pretty clear.”
While the nation continues to discuss what is a catch and what isn’t a catch in the NFL, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick would rather his players not put themselves in position to rely on the rule.
In Sunday’s 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Patriots benefited from the current catch rule after tight end Jesse James failed to secure the ball after hitting the ground when reaching over the goal line. The would-be touchdown would’ve put the Steelers back on top and ultimately would’ve put them in the driver’s seat in the AFC.
The magnitude of the game put more emphasis on a rule that has been “clear cut” according to Belichick who was asked about how he has addressed the rule with his own players when it comes to extending the ball around the goal line.
"“Yeah, we talk about it,” Belichick said during Tuesday’s press conference. “We talk about everything that’s football related, so situations, ball security, all of those things. We go over all of the situations. There are a lot of different ones. They’re not quite all the same, but we cover them and make sure that they understand what we would want them to do in different situations.”"
That is what separates the New England Patriots from most other teams. They may give up big plays, but are always well coached when it comes to situational football. In fact, if James was playing under Belichick, he would’ve caught the ball and rolled into the end zone instead of reaching over the goaline without a defender close to him.
If he had done just that, he wouldn’t have put the rule into play and the league-wide discussion would’ve probably just been put off for another week. It’s a rule that definitely needs to be readdressed. As for now, Bill Belichick feels it’s a long-standing rule that players and coaches have had to adjust to.
"“There’s always been a philosophy in the league and it’s gone back several decades of philosophically whether you want to have a catch and a fumble or an incomplete pass, and the philosophy has always been incomplete pass. Otherwise, you’d have a million catches and fumbles. I agree with that. The catch in the end zone is very clearly stated, so you’ve got to complete a catch. It’s pretty clear.”"
Practice squad moves
Bernard Reedy is back. The New England Patriots announced on Tuesday that they have re-signed the 26-year-old wide receiver to the practice squad.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
If you remember, the 5-foot-9, 175-pound receiver was promoted to the 53-man roster on December 2. He appeared in two games as a punt returner before the team released him on December 13. His re-signing is likely another depth move at the wide receiver position with the setback suffered by Chris Hogan.
If Hogan misses any more action, it forces Danny Amendola into more of a role in the offense. Therefore, a player like Reedy may be called upon to pick up the punt return duties.
To make room for Benard Reedy, the team has released DL Marcus Hardison, who was originally signed to the practice squad on Dec. 2 of this year.
Back on top
The New England Patriots have not only taken over the No. 1 seed in the AFC, they have re-gained the top spot in ESPN’s NFL power rankings following their thrilling win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Next: New England Patriots: Bill Belichick’s Top 10 Trades
The defending Super Bowl champs feel out of the No. 1 spot following their Monday night loss to the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins the week prior. The Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams round out the top five entering Week 16.