Was Buccaneers’ Cade Otton’s Catch Wrongfully Overturned?

In the second quarter of Monday night’s game, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield threw a short pass to tight end Cade Otton near midfield. Otton made a one-handed grab, securing the catch. As he fell to the ground, Detroit Lions cornerback Arthur Maulet wrapped his arms around the ball, but ultimately, Otton’s grip held strong.

The play was initially ruled a catch for the Buccaneers, and the challenge by the Lions was overturned after a second review.

But Was It The Right Call?

Dean Blandino, a former NFL vice president of officiating and current Fox Sports rules analyst, believes the officials made a mistake by overturning the call. His expertise in NFL officiating lends weight to his opinion, given his role in overseeing officiating procedures during his time with the league.

On SiriusXM NFL Radio, Dean Blandino said that if he had to judge the play from scratch, he’d give it to Maulet. However, he also stated that there wasn’t enough evidence to overturn the on-field call of a catch for Cade Otton.

“If they ruled interception on the field, it’d be an easy stance,” Blandino stated via JoeBucsFan. “You know, that’s kind of the standard; it’s gotta be clear to change it. Since they ruled it a catch, you have not only is it simultaneous going to the receiver. But was it clear that the defensive player had the ball, controlled it, got it before Otton got it? There was too many question marks for me to say that was clear and obvious to overturn. I thought that because they ruled it one way on the field, then it should have stood.”

“Either way they ruled it, you couldn’t change it with the video that was available.”

The BR Rub

Upon reviewing the play, it’s clear Maulet’s left hand is pulling on Otton’s arm as Otton is securing the football. While some might dismiss the play’s significance, momentum swings can impact the game, particularly heading into halftime.

So the answer is, yes, yes the officials botched the call. Yes the officials caved to the roar of the home crowd. And yes the Buccaneers got screwed, again.

You be the judge!