WATCH: Dallas Cowboys touchdown overturned following controversial non-review

The Dallas Cowboys were involved in a controversial referee decision on Sunday, as a touchdown was overturned after officials did not review the prior play. Quarterback Dak Prescott appeared to lose control of the football as he attempted to dive into the end zone, and the play resulted in a fumble recovered by the New England Patriots.

What a play at the goal line. Dak Prescott fumbled as he tried to stretch the ball over the goal line.pic.twitter.com/5wivQTa9YY

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) October 17, 2021

Cowboys previous touchdown not reviewed

The replay of Prescott’s fumble shows Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley punch the football as Prescott stretched it towards the goal line. The referee review led to the play originally called a touchdown being overturned, giving the ball to the Patriots as the first half drew to a close.

Where the Cowboys and fans found controversy was in the game official’s deciding not to review the play immediately preceding the fumble, where Prescott appeared to cross the goal line on a quarterback sneak. When the officials cleared the pile of players, Prescott was seen with his whole upper torso in the end zone.

The play was ruled down before he crossed however, leading to the fourth down fumble. Several camera angles shown on the broadcast made it difficult to see where exactly Prescott went down on the play, but one particular camera angle seemed to show that he was still standing before landing in the end zone.

As the play was run in the final two minutes of the half, the NFL officials would need to initiate any reviews. They chose not to review the play, leaving the Cowboys feeling as if they had lost a guaranteed touchdown.

Randy Gregory sack fumble

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory got a clean rush to New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones and delivered a crushing sack that knocked the ball loose. Gregory made the huge play after drawing a holding penalty that brought back a Patriots’ touchdown, causing issues for the Patriots’ offensive line.

The play came at a crucial time for the Cowboys, helping capture some momentum as the Patriots seemed to be moving down the field with ease.

Giving a quick move to right tackle Yodny Cajuste, Gregory got the edge rush before the Patriots could even form the pocket for Mac Jones to step into. As Jones faked a handoff and turned his eyes up the field, Gregory’s rushing path led him right to where Jones was standing.

Jones didn’t appear to see Gregory coming before he delivered a crushing hit to the rookie quarterback, popping the football loose. Gregory’s fellow defensive end Chauncey Golston recovered the fumble, the first turnover of the game for the Patriots.

The sack was Gregory’s third of the season and his first forced fumble, despite a fumble recovery of his own against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 1.