Attempts to Explain Away Cowboys Bonehead Move That Lost Them Wildcard Game
Everybody is playing Monday morning quarterback, literally, in the wake of the Cowboys devastating loss to the San Francisco 49ers Sunday night.
To secure the win, the 49ers had to withstand a final-second comeback that saw the Cowboys reach the San Francisco 41-yard line with 14 seconds to play and at least seemingly in position to throw a final pass to the end zone.
Instead, with 14 seconds left and no timeouts, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott ran 17 yards on a quarterback draw, but the ball was not spotted quickly enough for Dallas to spike it before time expired.
Most pundits believe this chaotic end was all a result of bad coaching.
How the end of the @dallascowboys game went and what should’ve happened @getupespn @espngreeny @werderedespn pic.twitter.com/Nk4I3XymWp
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 17, 2022
There were actually suggestions Monday morning that Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy could end up getting fired.
Team owner Jerry Jones expressed his displeasure with the play. Even before the game there were rumors circulating about McCarthy's future as head coach.
"That was the best option ... it's the right decision."
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) January 17, 2022
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on the QB draw play that ended the game. pic.twitter.com/ZZfnkkiEAa
In any event, the San Francisco 49ers advanced to the Divisional round in Green Bay as a +5.5 underdog.
- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com