>>Catch. 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.<<
The DB had control and was down by contact when he hit the ground, still in full control of the ball.
The league has clearly subcontracted either Axlerod or TOTUS itself to protect the fact the refs screwed the pooch (even if it isn’t a reviewable play).
Who you gonna believe? The League or your own lyin’ eyes?
While both players were still in mid-air, Tates left arm was between Jennings chest and the ball. Tates right arm was outside both Jennings arms, but still on the ball. Possession requires being on the ground and in control. By the time they were on the ground and in control, it was still being held by both men. The fact that Jennings was holding Tate to the ball is part of the fact that it was a simultaneous catch. Jennings even tried to roll away from Tate to take sole possession, but because he was trapping Tate to the ball all he did was prove that Tate was still attached to the ball. That is a simultaneous catch, and that ALWAYS goes to the offense.
Now, if Jennings had batted the ball away, GB would have won, but because he screwed up and tried to have an interception, Seattle won. Most are blaming the refs for a bad call, but the call was the right one. The loss is Jennings fault.