Dallas City News

We are at day 32 of our 99 day countdown until the regular season. Here is your daily fact associated with number 32.

One of the most talked about and controversial plays in Dallas Cowboys history came on a 32-yard play pass play in the 2014 Divisional Playoff game versus the Green Bay Packers.

Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images

In 2014, the Cowboys experienced an impressive streak of success and appeared ready to make a significant playoff run, with several media sources declaring Dallas the team to watch that season. They secured the third seed in the playoffs with a commendable 12-4 record during the regular season, also claiming the title of NFC East champions. Following their victory over the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card round, they were set to face off against their next opponent, the Green Bay Packers, at Lambeau Field.

The game featured a fierce contest between the two teams, and as the fourth quarter approached, the score was tightly contested with the Cowboys holding a precarious 21-20 advantage. The Packers initiated a drive from their own 20-yard line and Aaron Rodgers orchestrated an impressive eight-play, 80-yard drive that culminated in a 13-yard touchdown, allowing the Packers to take the lead at 26-21.

With 4:42 remaining in the game and trailing by five points, the Cowboys found themselves in a critical situation, facing a 4th-and-2 on the Packers’ 32-yard line. Opting to take the risk, Tony Romo launched a deep pass intended for Dez Bryant near the goal line. Successfully outmaneuvering his defender, Bryant executed a remarkable leaping catch over the Green Bay defensive back. In his effort to secure the football and reach across the goal line for a touchdown, Bryant cradled the ball in his left arm while extending his body towards the end zone. The officials initially ruled the play a completed catch, with Bryant being downed at the one-yard line of the Packers.

Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy then opted to challenge the play, contending that the ball made contact with the ground prior to Bryant finalizing the process of a legal catch. Following a review conducted by Gene Steratore and the officiating crew, it was concluded that Bryant failed to adequately secure the ball before it touched the ground, resulting in the overturning of the initial call and deeming the pass incomplete. This decision marked a devastating conclusion to a thrilling game, leaving Cowboys supporters feeling frustrated and enraged. This moment will eternally be recognized as the “Dez caught it” play. The rules on a catch were then changed in the offseason.