Cowboys screwed by late, weak OPI call versus Rams

A questionable offensive pass interference call screwed the Cowboys against the Rams.

Refs on the field of the Cowboys–Rams game on Sunday night denied NFL fans everywhere a thrilling finish with a weak-sauce offensive pass interference call.

With half a minute to play and trailing by three, Dak Prescott lofted a beautiful ball to Michael Gallup 47 yards downfield to put Dallas into field goal range.

And then the yellow flags came out to ruin it all. Gallup was penalized for pushing off against cornerback Jalen Ramsey and the Cowboys drive came to nothing.

The offensive pass interference call against the Cowboys was soft.

Was it OPI? You be the judge.

Did Gallup stretch his arm out to help create some separation from Ramsey? Sure.

Did the contact rise to the level of offensive pass interference? It was a weak call even if you think it was the right one by the letter of the law.

Had the pass stood, the Cowboys would have had the ball in field goal range with just a few seconds remaining. A touchdown would have been a spectacle to cap a great day of pro football. A field goal attempt could have prompted an opening-week Sunday Night Football overtime period, extending an entertaining matchup. It could have been glorious.

Then again, nothing says “The NFL Is Back!” quite like a good old controversial reffing decision. Sports talk radio on Monday morning will have plenty to discuss.

Aside from the annoyingly soft call to end the game, the Rams and Cowboys delivered a fun debut for SoFi Stadium. There was never more than a touchdown between the two teams.

Malcolm Brown led the Rams rushing attack with two touchdowns while Goff utilized Robert Woods in the passing game to the tune of six catches for 105 yards in the victory.

Ezekiel Elliot made the Cowboys offense go, scoring a rushing touchdown and catching Prescot’s lone passing score. He had 96 yards on 22 carries.