George Pickens Re-Ignites NFL 'What Is A Catch' Debate On Monday Night Football

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

When the rulebook says that a receiver has to get both feet in bounds to complete the process of a catch, they officially mean two DIFFERENT feet. 

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

Thus, referees ruled that the catch was incomplete and re-ignited the age-old NFL debate: "WHAT IS A CATCH?!" 

I understand that the rule is the rule … but if this isn't a catch, I'm not sure what is a catch.  

It's really incredible, when you see exactly where Pickens was when he caught the ball, that he wasn't able to get his left foot on the ground. 

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

In this case, there is some blame on Pickens for not managing to get his left foot down. Elite receivers generally have terrific field awareness and find a way to get their feet down inbound in situations where that seems impossible. 

Pickens not getting his left foot down when he caught the ball a full two yards inside the end line is almost inexcusable. 

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

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

(Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

That all being said, this should still count as a catch. 

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

That was one was lost due to a penalty on the Steelers offensive line, though, because Pickens certainly got both feet down on that one. 

Rough night for George Pickens fantasy football owners and people who bet on the receiver to score a touchdown. 

But that's why they call it gambling! 

UPDATE: Fortunately for the Steelers, the lost touchdowns didn't affect the outcome. They won the game, 26-18, although the referees certainly helped along the way. 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to OutKick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named "Brady" because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.