McCarthy: Scoreboard malfunction led to 56-yard FG

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys' Mike McCarthy: Scoreboard malfunction led to timing 'issues' that forced 56-yard FG

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 9/20/21

The Dallas Cowboys won Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers in exciting fashion, with kicker Greg Zuerlein splitting the uprights from 56 yards away to solidify the 20-17 victory.

According to head coach Mike McCarthy, the field goal to win was the result of multiple time management issues that could have cost Dallas the game.

Ahead of Zuerlein's game-winning kick, Sunday's contest took a confusing turn as the Cowboys appeared to be letting the clock wind down with 30 seconds left to play and the scoreboard knotted up 17-17. According to McCarthy, the bizarre scene occurred because the clock he was viewing at SoFi Stadium went out, and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore's view of the time was blocked by a cameraman.

"The clock situation was just different," McCarthy said, via NFL.com. "I've never had a clock go off the board on me like that."

The result was Dallas burning time instead of going for a touchdown or simply coming within closer field goal range. Lucky enough for the Cowboys, Zuerlein was able to punch the ball home.

"I just thought we were comfortable and we're good in field goal range and that's what they wanted to do," quarterback Dak Prescott admitted, revealing he wasn't aware there of the time issues occurring on the sidelines. "I wasn't sure. I'm looking at the end zone clock."

The Cowboys now sit at 1-1 on the season as they prep to host the Eagles next week on "Monday Night Football."

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