NFL officiating explains blocked punt situation in Cowboys-Broncos
After the Denver Broncos recovered their own blocked punt and received a new set of downs Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, it naturally led to many questions. The NFL officiating account on Twitter offered some much needed clarification.
“The punt is blocked and goes beyond the line of scrimmage, where it’s touched by the receiving team,” the tweet read. “Since the receiving team touches the ball beyond the line of scrimmage, the kicking team is eligible to recover the ball. Denver recovers the ball, but cannot advance it.”
The Cowboys had forced a three-and-out before they blocked the Broncos punt. After Denver recovered, they took out at their own 19 and drove down for a field goal to take a 19-0 lead.
The Cowboys never led and allowed Denver to score 30 unanswered points to begin the game. Although Dak Prescott ended the game with a pair of touchdown tosses in the fourth quarter, the damage was already done.
Ezekiel Elliot and the rushing attack struggled to get much going, as Dallas finished with just 78 yards on the ground. The Broncos defense also forced a pair of turnovers: an interception and a fumble.
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Meanwhile, Denver totaled 190 yards rushing. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater finished 19-of-28 for 249 yards and two total touchdowns.
The loss was only the second of the year for Dallas, which still has a secure hold on the NFC East. The Cowboys misses the playoff last year as Prescott was dealing with an ankle injury.
Denver improved to 5-4 with the statement win. If the Los Angeles Chargers lose to Philadelphia on Sunday, the Broncos will move into second place behind Las Vegas in the AFC West.
Denver will look to improve its winning streak when it takes on the Eagles next Sunday. The Cowboys will hope to get back on track at home against the Atlanta Falcons.