NFL to take closer look at catch rule amid controversies

Tom Pelissero | USA TODAY Sports

MINNEAPOLIS – The question made NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell laugh. His answer showed the league at least is hearing fans’ frustration.

How long do you think the ball needs to be held for it to be a catch, Roger?

“We debated that in the office the last couple weeks,” Goodell said Sunday after speaking to fans at an event in advance of the Minnesota Vikings-Green Bay Packers game.

“And I think what we’re really going to do is get some people who are really focused on evaluating every one of these, and try to see, because it’s a balance between what you think is a catch, what the officials can officiate on a consistent basis and what’s going to have what we call the unintended consequences.

“If it’s too short a time … you’re going to get more fumbles on the field and (the question is) what kind of impact that has. So there are a lot of issues that need to be balanced in there. It’s not that simple a question. A lot of people believe the right way to do it is the second foot down and control, that’s a catch. That’s something we’ll have to look at. Again.”

The NFL competition committee tweaked the rule in March, replacing language about making a football move to say a player must maintain possession long enough to become a runner. But that has yielded as much if not even more debate over disputed calls this season.

In his session with fans at the preview center for the Vikings’ new stadium, which will open next year, Goodell said he was “rooting for a clean game and our officials not to make any mistakes.”

He later said he thinks officials do a tremendous job. But Goodell noted that high-definition television has altered the way officiating is viewed, every call is evaluated and officials who are downgraded can be suspended or, if they continue to underperform, lose their jobs. One idea for improving consistency is to shuffle crews during the season, Goodell said.

He also mentioned a desire to streamline instant replay, with one option being the use of tablets on the field instead of having officials jog to the sideline, provided they can get the right view without interference from weather and sun reflection.

“We’re trying to take all those hurdles away, frankly,” Goodell told reporters.

Goodell said he doesn’t think instant replay will be expanded to cover all penalties, such as pass interference, or going to a completely centralized replay system like the NHL. “We actually think we have a great system right now,” Goodell said.

On other matters:

· Goodell said he hasn’t spoken to Adrian Peterson since the Vikings star’s placement on the commissioner’s exempt list in the wake of Peterson’s indictment for injuring his 4-year-old son while disciplining him with a wooden switch. “But he’s an extraordinary player and a wonderful young man,” Goodell said. “I was very impressed with all my dealings with Adrian. He’s an individual who took it seriously, said, ‘I want to be better,’ and I think he’s taken great advantage of that opportunity.”

· During the fan event, Goodell was asked about the possibility of shortening the preseason and playing more regular-season games. He said he considers all those possibilities on the table. He then asked for a show of hands about who likes the preseason and only two went up. “Do we need four anymore?” Goodell said. “That’s a lot of games.”

· Goodell said growing the game internationally remains a priority and reiterated: “We hope to be in Mexico next year.”

Follow Tom Pelissero on Twitter @TomPelissero.

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