re: How did the Indy Punt returner have possession but Dez Bryant didn't?

quote:

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I just don't understand why the rules for returning punts and catching passes are different as far as establishing possession.

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Clearly. The rules for completing a catch and fumbling are not the same. If a running back gets hit immediately after receiving the handoff, has control of the ball when he hits the ground, and then the ball comes loose, fumble or no fumble?