Lions cornerback Arthur Maulet’s left hand is pulling Cade Otton’s arm, not holding the ball.
So what the hell happened when Baker Mayfield threw a short ball to Cade Otton at midfield late in the second quarter on Monday night?
Otton made a sweet one-hand grab of the off-target throw and it was ruled a catch as Lions cornerback Arthur Maulet swooped in and got two hands on the ball as he and Otton fell to the turf controlling the ball.
Then the play was overturned and ruled an interception.
Former NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino, the Fox Sports rules analyst, said officials incorrectly overturned the call.
Speaking on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Blandino said if he had to judge the play with no on the field, he would give the catch to Maulet. But as for having enough evidence to overturn the Otton catch ruling on the field, Blandino said it simply was wasn’t there.
“If they ruled interception on the field, it’d be an easy stance,” Blandino said. “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.”
This call really sickened the Joe. If you watch Maulet’s left hand through the “catch,” it’s pulling Otton’s arm as the Bucs tight end is squeezing the football.
It’s easy to say this play didn’t matter, but momentum changes games, especially before halftime.
A tie goes to the offense
The call on the field was a catch
How does this get overturned?!?!
Sincerely,
A Cade Otton Over 3.5 Receptions bettor
pic.twitter.com/rV3f80KqsZ
— Zach Reger (@zachreger18) October 21, 2025