WATCH: Marquise Goodwin makes controversial catch for 50 yards
The Chicago Bears completed a huge 50-yard pass to Marquise Goodwin from Justin Fields, but drew controversy due to Goodwin apparently dropping the ball. Goodwin’s catch was ruled complete and that he was tackled out of bounds, as replay showed the ball moving on his way to the ground.
Marquise Goodwin’s controversial catch
The Steelers challenged the ruling on the field of a complete pass, and the ruling was confirmed after review that Goodwin had possession of the ball. It appeared that the officials felt Goodwin controlled the ball securely as he began to turn up the field, and even though he dropped the ball as he was tackled it was already ruled a catch.
The decision by the officials is sure to divide opinions around the league as the play happened so quickly that even pictures can’t fully grasp what the officials saw. CBS Sports shared the still images that the replay captured, asking fans if it was a “catch or no catch?”
The Bears’ drive ultimately resulted in a field goal despite the big gain through the passing game, and the Steelers maintained their lead at 14-6. Whether or not Marquise Goodwin’s controversial catch was good, the Steelers defense was still set to continue dominating the game
Steelers defense playing strong
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick introduced himself to Bears rookie Justin Fields with a huge hit as Fields attempted to get out of bounds in the first half. With Fields clearly still in the field of play and an active runner with the ball, Fitzpatrick delivered a big hit to the rookie quarterback.
On a third-and-nine play on a drive immediately after Fields was intercepted by defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, the pocket collapsed again under the pass rush and Fields scrambled to the outside.
Fitzpatrick met Fields about three yards short of the first down and punished the rookie for trying to make a play with his feet.
The Steelers held the Bears to 61 yards on their first five drives of the game, forcing the Bears to punt four times. Another Bears drive ended with an interception, while the final drive of the half finally saw Chicago move the ball and end the quarter with a field goal.
Pittsburgh’s lead at halftime was 14-3 as they looked to improve their record to 5-3 on the season.