The ball can touch the ground. But a ball that is moving is not in control. So if the ball is moving in the receiver's arms AND then before control is gained, the WHOLE BALL hits the ground, that is not a catch.

Like you say, not a catch. I think the announcers and refs both got wrapped up in the idea of being more liberal with what is a catch that they forgot to see if there was ever control of the ball that would even allow it to be a catch under any definition.