For the second week in a row, the Cowboys and referees will be all we talk about for a week. The difference is this time the refs trotted out the taketh away part of the equation, overturning an incredible fourth-down Dez Bryant catch.

Once again we learned no one in the NFL really knows what a catch is. The rule (known as the Calvin Johnson Rule) is clear: The ground can cause an incomplete pass. And the ruling appears to have been correct. But that doesn't make the rule any less ridiculous.

In what sane world -- governed by the idea that miraculously plucking a ball out of midair with your inhuman hand possessing skills -- is that not a catch? Everything we understand about the physical way in which people are supposed to play football says that was a catch. Common sense should dictate Bryant possessed that ball, took several steps and was down on the 1-yard line.

How is this not a catch?

Somehow, this Dez Bryant catch is not really a reception. (Getty Images)

And now in moving picture form:

The letter of the law says Bryant lost possession of the ball while going to the ground, essentially because he did what every football player does, lunging out for the goal line. 

If he simply falls down to ground after catching the ball? It's Dallas ball in the red zone and no one is robbed of missing an incredible finish to an incredible game.


An understandable reaction! Especially when there are verifiable experts in amazing catches agreeing the catch in question should be, you know, a catch. 

It's good to have a rule that's written down that tells everyone exactly what is and what is not a catch. Rules are good and important and absolutely necessary in a game of sport. But a rule that goes against every modicum of logic is absurd.

Everyone agrees what Dez did was catch the ball and possess the ball to the ground in a manner that -- to just about every eyeball -- appears to be a catch. Even if everyone agrees the rulebook reads differently doesn't mean it should.

Everyone shouldn't be perplexed about what constitutes a catch. Clearing up the definition is critical but it shouldn't run counter to common sense. 

2. RADG-AHS!

OH RIGHT. The Packers won the game and Aaron Rodgers looked absolutely fabulous in the second half after iffy health and a questionable performance in the first two quarters.

Rodgers led the Packers to a field goal at the end of the first half and was spotted by the Fox end zone cam limping down the field.

Rodgers was 6 of 12 with 3.5 yards per attempt on the Packers' first three drives and looked, clearly, uncomfortable and immobile. With DeMarco Murray moving the ball on the ground and Dallas appearing in control on offense, the Packers looked like they were in big trouble.

Then the relaxed MVP took over and pushed the Packers on to the NFC Championship Game. Rodgers went 15 of 20 for 226 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the second half, including a ridic 9 for 9 for 110 yards and a score in the fourth quarter.

You knew he was fine when 

Look at the window he put that ball in!

MVP-level second half for Rodgers, who went the entire NFL season without throwing an interception at home. 

3. Lion's Share of Revenge

The Cowboys snuck past the Lions with help from the zebras last week, making it hilarious when Detroit's social media team decided to send a digital sympathy card about Dez's missed catch.

4. Another Weapon for Rodgers 

Davante Adams put his stamp on a year-long flirtation with breaking out Sunday, because obviously Aaron Rodgers needs more great wide receivers to throw to.

The rookie wide receiver, another in a long line of talented wideouts selected by Ted Thompson, was targeted 11 times by Rodgers, catching seven passes to lead the Packers with 116 receiving yards, including a 46-yard touchdown catch late in the third quarter that brought Green Bay within a point of the Cowboys.

5. Murray Down

DeMarco Murray had a huge game for the Cowboys, rushing 25 times for 123 yards. Just another impressive day in a year full of incredible performances. Unfortunately he did the one thing he couldn't do: put the ball on the turf.

Credit Julius Peppers -- who continues to look more and more like a nice addition in free agency for Green Bay -- for punching the ball out, but Murray simply can't lose the ball when he did. Especially when he's waltzing into the end zone. 

Murray, who fumbled five times in the first eight games of the season, hadn't lost the ball since October. Fumbling has been an issue throughout his career, so credit to Murray for tightening up his carrying skills even as he got more and more touches deeper in the season.

6. Opening Line

Kind of a stunner I think: Seahawks -7 over the Packers (via Sportsbook.ag) to open. The Seahawks are playing quite well and Rodgers is banged up but Green Bay's a really good football team with a ton of weapons on offense. The line moved to 7.5 early too.