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NFL Admits Flag Error, Defends Overturned TD in Ravens’ Loss to Steelers

John Harbaugh said the catch rule is “as clear as mud” after a call with league officiating leaders, as Baltimore fell to 6-7 and a game back in the AFC North.

Overview

  • Officials upheld on review that Isaiah Likely’s late end-zone catch was incomplete under the catch rule’s third‑step requirement, as explained by NFL vice president of instant replay Mark Butterworth.
  • The league told Baltimore the unnecessary roughness call on defensive tackle Travis Jones during a Steelers field-goal try was incorrect, a mistake that preceded a Pittsburgh touchdown instead of a field goal.
  • An earlier play initially ruled a Ravens interception was overturned on review, with Aaron Rodgers credited with a catch to keep a Steelers drive alive.
  • Harbaugh, general manager Eric DeCosta and ex-referee Tony Michalek spoke with Perry Fewell and Walt Anderson, but Harbaugh said the explanations for the two replay reversals did not clarify the rule.
  • Baltimore’s late-game execution also faltered with a mismanaged third-and-2, a fourth-down pass deflecting off Mark Andrews’ hand, a shaky two-minute drill, a three-game suspension for lineman Ben Cleveland, and Keaton Mitchell’s knee being evaluated after he signaled optimism.