Can you link to a cite in the NFL rulebook that says this?
I really don't feel like trying to find the 2012 rule book, but the rule looks identical or at least very similar to what it was then; here's the current one:
https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/nfl-video-rulebook/completing-a-catch/
"If a pass is caught simultaneously by two eligible opponents, and both players retain it, the ball belongs to the passers."
Jennings would have had to gain control exclusively first for it to be an interception. You can see here:
http://static.nfl.com/static/content/public/image/rulebook/pdfs/6_Rule3_Definitions.pdf
"INTERCEPTION An interception is made when a pass (forward or backward) is caught by an opponent of the passer."
That means an opponent of the passer (Jennings, in this case) has to catch it.
"CATCH A catch is made when a player inbounds secures possession of a pass, kick, or fumble in flight (See 8-1-3). Note 1: It is a catch if in the process of attempting to catch the ball, a player secures control of the ball prior to the ball touching the ground and that control is maintained after the ball has touched the ground."
"PLAYER POSSESSION Article 7A player is in possession when he is in firm grip and control of the ball inbounds (See 3-2-3)."
"To gain possession of a loose ball (3-2-3) that has been caught, intercepted, or recovered, a player must have complete control of the ball and have both feet or any other part of his body, other than his hands, completely on the ground inbounds, and maintain control of the ball long enough to perform any act common to the game. If the player loses the ball while simultaneously touching both feet or any other part of his body to the ground or if there is any doubt that the acts were simultaneous, there is no possession. This rule applies in the field of play and in the end zone. The terms catch, intercept, recover, advance, and fumble denote player possession (as distinguished from touching or muffing). Note 1: A player who goes to the ground in the process of attempting to secure possession of a loose ball (with or without contact by an opponent) must maintain control of the ball throughout the process of contacting the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, there is no possession. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, it is a catch, interception, or recovery. Note 2: If a player goes to the ground out-of-bounds (with or without contact by an opponent) in the process of attempting to secure possession of a loose ball at the sideline, he must maintain complete and continuous control of the ball throughout the process of contacting the ground, or there is no possession. Note 3: If a player has control of the ball, a slight movement of the ball will not be considered loss of possession. He must lose control of the ball in order to rule that there has been a loss of possession."
This is very clear. Tate also got his hands on the ball AND both of his feet on the ground, before Jennings got to the ground. That makes it simultaneous possession, which defaults to the passers. The call was correct.
He's right that simultaneous possession goes to the receiver, as far as I know. But I disagree with his interpretation of the play, to say the least. Jennings caught the ball, and Tate put a hand on the ball. Then Tate put his other hand on the ball. Basically Jennings caught the ball, and Tate put his hands on the ball and claimed he caught it.
See above. The rules are clear.
The
NFL rulebook states, "If a pass is caught
simultaneously by two eligible opponents, and both players retain it, the ball belongs to the passers. It is not a
simultaneous catch if a player gains control first and an opponent subsequently gains joint control.
In question on the Fail Mary was when Tate "gained control". Most non-Seahawk fans seem to agree that Jennings had control of the ball for an interception, before Tate was able to even come close to laying his hands on the ball, pretending he somehow had control of the intercepted pass.
https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/nfl-video-rulebook/completing-a-catch/
He had to go to the ground maintaining control. He didn't before Tate also got control. Both had control and possession, so the tie goes to the passers.
Was at the 38-10 shelling of the Seahags back in 2016, hoping for a repeat!
