With just 25 seconds remaining in the game against the Chicago Bears, backup Lions quarterback Shaun Hill connected with big wide receiver Calvin Johnson for what appeared to be a game-winning TD.
Johnson leaped over cornerback Zackary Bowman, snagged the football with two hands, transferred the ball to one hand as he was landing and ultimately set the ball down on the ground.
After a booth review the incomplete call stood. Here's what happened:
Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, Item 1 of the NFL Rule Book (page 51) states that “if a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact with an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball after he touches 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, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete.”
Bears Win.
