WATCH: Dallas Cowboys lose in bizarre, controversial ending
The Dallas Cowboys ended their season in disappointing fashion as they lose to the San Francisco 49ers in controversial fashion involving a referee. As the Cowboys rushed to the line of scrimmage to spike the football and stop the clock for one last play, they were unable to snap the ball as an official attempted to reset the ball’s position for the final snap of the game.
Dallas Cowboys lose while referee sets football
The Cowboys season came to an end in an incredibly disappointing fashion after a controversial moment involving the officiating crew. After a scramble for extra yards with time expiring in the game, the Cowboys attempted to spike the ball for one last pass attempt into the end zone.
The official must touch the ball before it is snapped by the offense, by rule. As Prescott and his line did not give the referee the football, the official fought his way through the linemen and reset the ball’s position himself. As he pushed through the line and forced Prescott and the line to move their feet, the ball was unable to be snapped as the referee was not clear of the play.
The Cowboys lost the game 23-17, as their record-setting offense failed to find any traction against the 49ers when it mattered the most.
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Adding to the controversial finish, the referee involved in the final play was involved in a similar strange moment earlier in the game as well. After a successful fake punt that earned them a first down, the Cowboys left their punting unit on the field in a strange formation as they attempted to get San Francisco to burn a timeout on the play.
As the 49ers did not bite on the attempt, Dallas substituted their personnel with the offense and tried to snap the football. The same referee involved in the final play of the game stood in the middle of the field to make sure the defense was given time to set. He appeared to stand in the way for a much longer time than needed, and the Cowboys received a delay-of-game penalty as he hurried out of the Cowboys’ way.