I’m a Broncos fan, but was watching a rerun of the Dolphins/Texans second pre-season game today - I didn’t especially care about the outcome or know anything about either team.
At 14:42 in the second quarter, Thompson threw a long ball to Wilson Jr. As Wilson Jr closed in and started to reach for the ball, the defender (Ward) grabbed at Wilson’s right bicep, then pushed down on Wilson’s right hand and wrist. Wilson tried to make a one handed catch with his left hand, but was now off balance and fell.
It seems to me that Wilson possibly had chance to catch the ball - if his arm hadn’t been grabbed. No one - not even the players - seemed to think it was an issue. The commentators said it was good coverage.
I just can’t get my head around it, what are the criteria for pass interference? This and what qualifies as roughing the passer seem super arbitrary.
Thanks for the ideas; I’ve read the rule, so I “know” what the definition is, but the man - real life application of the rule is confusing as hell :). It seems like this was a missed call, but since even the receiver rolled with it, I guess they either know something I don’t, or maybe this is just younger players in a preseason game. Just have to keep watching and trying to figure it out.
Oh definitely. Also, unless it’s egregious, in an important game, or against a defender they are struggling with or have history with, players won’t normally argue non-calls too much. Plus, with it being a pre-season game, stakes are much lower, so guys aren’t as wrapped up in the outcome. For players trying to make the cut, they’re usually judged by their film rather than game result, so it likely wouldn’t be held against him for not making the catch either.