Packers vs. Broncos referee Alex Kemp refutes Gene Steratore on Doubs TD
During the recent NFL matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos, there was a controversial play that left fans and analysts divided. It was a touchdown catch by Packers’ tight end Jace Sternberger that resulted in a heated debate among the referees and broadcaster Gene Steratore.
As the play unfolded, Sternberger caught a pass from Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers and proceeded to cross the goal line. However, upon reviewing the play, some questioned whether Sternberger had complete control of the ball before it hit the ground. This is where the differing opinions of referee Alex Kemp and Gene Steratore came into play.
In a post-game interview, Steratore stated that he believed the catch should have been ruled incomplete. He argued that Sternberger did not have enough control of the ball before it hit the ground, which would make it an invalid catch. Many fans and analysts echoed Steratore’s sentiment, pointing to slow-motion replays that seemed to support his theory.
However, referee Alex Kemp quickly refuted Steratore’s claims, stating that he and the rest of the officiating crew reviewed the play thoroughly and determined that it was, indeed, a touchdown catch. Kemp emphasized that the call was made in real-time and without the aid of slow-motion replays, which can often skew one’s perception.
Kemp’s refutation of Steratore’s claim is significant, as it showcases the confidence and unity among NFL referees. Despite the controversial nature of the play, Kemp defended his crew’s decision and stood by the call on the field.
In a league where disputes between officials and broadcasters are not uncommon, Kemp’s response serves as a reminder of the expertise and integrity of NFL referees. It also highlights the importance of having well-trained officials who can trust their judgment and make accurate calls under immense pressure.
Overall, the disagreement between referee Alex Kemp and broadcaster Gene Steratore on the Jace Sternberger touchdown catch added an extra layer of drama to the Packers vs. Broncos matchup. Both parties presented valid arguments, but in the end, the referee’s decision on the field stood, showcasing the final authority of the officiating crew.
The Romeo Doubs touchdown (or non-touchdown) debate comes down to who had possession of the ball while in the air.
There was some debate Sunday over whether or not the on-field officials correctly ruled that Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs caught a touchdown when it appeared that he and Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II were holding the ball at the same time. Packers fans who attended the infamous Fail Mary in 2012 had flashbacks to a nightmare outcome.
However, unlike the Fail Mary play, the officials ruled this a Packers touchdown. Everything was fine until Gene Steratore, a former NFL referee turned rules analyst for CBS, appeared on the air. As we discussed yesterday, Steratore argued that whoever got his feet on the ground first – in this case Surtain – should have gotten the ball.
I’m going to have to disagree with the game, and here’s why, guys: Look, four hands own this football while both players are in the air. It is not a catch and is only final when you have possession of the ball with both feet down. If you look at this game, when the (two) players possess the football, the defending player’s feet land before the attacking player’s feet land. The ball never comes loose from either one. So in my opinion, Surtain possesses the ball with two feet down before the receiver does. That’s why I think it’s an interception.
After the match, referee Alex Kemp, who was working on the field that evening, was asked questions about the game in his pool report interview. The following exchange was reported by Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Q: Why was that considered a score?
Kemp: “We ruled on the field that Green Bay’s receiver controlled the ball while in the air, came to the ground and never lost control of the ball and therefore, by rule, it’s a touchdown.”
Question: There is a question whether it matters whether Surtain’s feet were on the ground first and did that mean he had possession of the ball first?
Kemp: “No, not that.”
Question: Does that have any influence on the pronunciation at all?
Kemp: “No.”
Q: It’s just that the receiver controls the entire catch?
Kemp: “That’s right.”
I’m not sure how Kemp decided Doubs had control of the ball, as it seemed like Surtain had equal right to the ball throughout the process, but we’ll call that a stroke of luck for a hapless Packers team at this point. The argument between Steratore and Kemp’s perspectives seems to center on whether or not Doubs had sole possession in the air, which I think is up for debate. So far, the league has made no statement regarding the ruling of this piece.
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