The Dallas Cowboys were awarded a first down during a pivotal moment of Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders — and the referee used a piece of paper to figure it out.
NFL referee Gene Steratore took out a folded index card to help measure the spot. The call, understandably, made Raiders coach Jack Del Rio furious on the sideline.
How did this happen? Facing a fourth-and-1 in the fourth quarter with the game tied at 17, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott kept the ball for a QB sneak. The play was too close, so the referees brought out the sticks for a measurement. After the game, Steratore said he used the card to “confirm” his initial assessment of a first down.
Watch below:
The Cowboys won 20-17.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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