NFL's catch rule makes early Super Bowl 50 appearance

Jerricho Cotchery's pass was ruled incomplete on the field and the call was upheld after review.We were only halfway through the first quarter of Super Bowl 50 when the NFL's troublesome catch rule reared its head. In the end, a shaky call stood because it did not meet the NFL's standard for reversal on replay.

Here's what happened:

With seven minutes, 23 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Carolina Panthers receiver Jerricho Cotchery bobbled a pass from quarterback Cam Newton. Referee Clete Blakeman's crew ruled incomplete. Panthers coach Ron Rivera immediately challenged.

When viewed in slow motion, you could see the ball land in Cotchery's hands. As Broncos safety Darian Stewart tackled…