Exactly 10 years in the past, Dez Bryant and the Dallas Cowboys’ playoff run was ended after a late fourth-quarter catch was overturned in a sport that will grow to be often called the “Dez Caught It” or “No-Catch Game.”
The controversial name within the 2014 divisional playoff sport in opposition to the Green Bay Packers compelled a Dallas turnover on downs with underneath 5 minutes remaining and finally value the Cowboys an opportunity to win and a spot within the convention championship.
Let’s take a stroll down reminiscence lane and analyze what occurred on January 11, 2015:
Setting the scene
The Cowboys (12-4) have been going through the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers (12-4) at Lambeau Field. Dallas entered the matchup because the No. 1 seed. 3 and NFC East champion, whereas Green Bay completed because the No. 1 seed. 2 with a first-round bye as NFC North division champions.
It marked the primary time the 2 groups had met within the playoffs in 19 years for the reason that 1995 NFC Championship Game.
The notorious name
Green Bay led by 5 factors within the fourth quarter when Dallas started what can be its ultimate drive of the sport.
With 4:42 left on the sport clock on fourth-and-2, quarterback Tony Romo threw a deep left go to Bryant, who appeared to have accomplished the 31-yard catch to place Dallas on the Green Bay 1-yard line. Bryant, lined by Packers cornerback Sam Shields, proceeded to take the ball over the purpose line for a landing.
Photo by David E. Klutho /Sports Illustrated through Getty Images)
After officers reviewed the tape, the decision was modified to an incomplete go after it was decided that Bryant had not secured the ball earlier than hitting the bottom and solely regained management after hitting the bottom. Under the principles on the time, the go didn’t meet the standards for a accomplished catch.
The Cowboys gave the ball again to the Packers with 4:06 left, and the remaining is historical past. Green Bay gained 26-21 and superior to the convention title sport, the place it misplaced to Seattle by the same margin, 28-22.
The legacy
Outrage over the decision sparked an outcry on social media accompanied by the hashtag #DezCaughtIt, which gave rise to the sport’s now-iconic nickname.
The name additionally impacted the way forward for the finished seize rule, which has since been accomplished updated by the NFL.
(Ron Jenkins/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service through Getty Images)
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