Only the Detroit Lions can lose a game in the fashion that they did today.

Trailing 19-14 to the Chicago Bears, the Lions were faced with a 2nd and 10 with about half a minute to go in regulation.  Detroit backup quarterback Shaun Hill fired a pass into the Chicago end zone into the direction of stud receiver Calvin Johnson.  And he displayed even more evidence as to why he’s such a stud.  The former Georgia Tech player outleaped a couple of Bears defenders and came down with the football. 

Johnson demonstrated possession by clearly controlling the ball with two hands during the catch and cradling it with one arm on the way down – shielding it away from the defenders.  But as he rose to his feet, Johnson used the ball – almost like a prop – to stand up and let it go as he stood to his feet to celebrate what he thought was a game-winning reception.

The officials didn’t think so.

The pass attempt was ruled incomplete by the officials, and they cited the NFL rulebook for their decision.  Official Gene Steratore stated that Johnson did not completely maintain control of the football throughout the process of the catch.

What?  

Lion coach Mike Schwartz agreed with the officials’ assessment, but how surprising is that?  Detriot has been so demoralized throughout all of the years of losing that their coaches have lost any fight that they might have.

Everyone is now saying that the officials did the right thing, but the rule needs to be changed.

Johnson clearly controlled the football during the controversial play.

Hogwash!

Every game has rules that dictate the manner in that the game is to be played.  But professional, and those familiar with the game, generally have a feel for playing that doesn’t require the frequent reference of rules.  Player performance overshadows the continuous interpretation of the rulebook – and that’s the way that it should be.  This was certainly one of those times.  Just think of the number of times that we’ve seen receivers of non-game winning catches drop the ball prior to standing to their feet.  And yes, they still get credit for the reception.

And why doesn’t this ‘finishing rule’ apply to rushing plays?  I don’t know how many times we’ve seen runners poke the ball over the plane of the goal line, have it knocked loose – but it’s ruled a touchdown because he broke the plane.

Anyone watching this play came to one conclusion and one conclusion only – - it was definitely a catch and Johnson got screwed.  So why was there any need to reference the rulebook?  Who was even aware of this rule?  Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith said he didn’t see the need to review it, but we’re not buying that.  The bottom line is that he was fortunate to escape a loss at home to a team who is perennially in the league basement.  Of course he wants to believe that his team won this game legit.

But they didn’t.  And all of us true football fans know it.

T Lamont is the owner, administrator and author of all content for Ball or Nuthin\'. Feel free to contact T Lamont with a question or comment at ballornuthin@gmail.com.  All created Ball or Nuthin' content is the sole property of T Lamont. Read more from this author