Ruling On Danario Alexander Touchdown Doesn't Make Any Sense

Ruling On This Chargers TD Doesn't Make Any Sense
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 18: Wide receiver Danario Alexander #84 of the San Diego Chargers reaches across the goal line for a touchdown as cornerback Tony Carter #32 of the Denver Broncos defends during the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field Field at Mile High on November 18, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 30-23. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 18: Wide receiver Danario Alexander #84 of the San Diego Chargers reaches across the goal line for a touchdown as cornerback Tony Carter #32 of the Denver Broncos defends during the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field Field at Mile High on November 18, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 30-23. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

We are trained now to know that a ball caught in the end zone must be maintained through the completion of the play to be ruled a touchdown, even after the receiver goes down to the ground. We've known this since Detroit receiver Calvin Johnson had a touchdown taken away against Chicago in 2010 even though it appeared to everyone that Johnson caught the ball and scored.

The rule seemed odd, but we learned to live with it and we haven't been as surprised when that rule has been invoked since then. But the rules should at least be enforced in a logical order, which is what makes Chargers receiver Danario Alexander's late touchdown against the Broncos so perplexing.

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