And the announcers probably do understand the rule, but it gives them something to talk about as they need to fill 3 hours, AND acting like its tough to tell lets them cover their butts for when they make the wrong call while covering the game. Plus, the old players like Aikman and the like love complaining about new/modern rules. The ol "back in my day" and "yelling at clouds".
Ok, but this hit the ground after sliding down his body because he never possessed it. So incomplete according to your rule too.
edit: apologies, it never hit the ground, he did end up gathering possession but it was well after he was out of bounds.