The NFL explains the odd penalty in Cowboys' last attempt at the Redskins

The Cowboys were called for eight penalties Sunday, but only one of them managed to turn into controversy: this is the flag that was launched on the LP Ladouceur long-line player with just three seconds to play.

With the Redskins up 20-17, Cowboys kicker Brett Maher has lined up for a 47-yard field goal. However, before attempting the kick, one of the officials threw a flag. Although it appeared that the Redskins might have skipped, the call on the field was an instant Ladouceur offense. The penalty forced the Cowboys back by five meters and forced Maher to score the equalizer at 52 meters.

The penalty ended up being huge, as Maher's kick hit the left upright and would probably have been played if he had attempted it at 47 yards.

After the call of the punishment, many fans on Twitter felt that the Cowboys had been screwed.

Due to the controversial nature of the play, the NFL wasted no time in explaining the situation. Almost immediately after the game ended, NFL Vice President Al Riveron sent a tweet explaining why Ladouceur had been called for an instant offense.

As you will see in the video below, Ladouceur made a subtle move with the ball, which is why the flag was launched.

"The illegal balloon movement through the center causes the defense to cross the neutral zone and contact a lineman," Riveron wrote.

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Generally, you will not see any penalty when the long snapper subtly moves the ball like this for a purpose. However, if the movement blows up the defense, the official must then raise the flag. The only thing about this penalty is that the long snappers move the ball all the time before breaking it, but the officials rarely throw a flag. The decision to impose a penalty on Ladouceur could set a bad precedent. If a defender sees a long drummer moving the ball into a striking position, the defender can jump off the bench knowing that the long drummer is the one to be reported.

Of course, it is not the fault of the referee if the Cowboys have lost this match. If the Cowboys fans want to blame someone, they should probably consult Jason Garrett, who made several dubious decisions in the final minutes of the game.

After taking nine yards Cole Beasley, the Cowboys had the ball on the 37-yard line from Washington with a timeout and 52 seconds to play. Instead of reaching a touchdown, the Cowboys played two games, won just six yards, spent their time, and prepared their rookie kick for a tough 47-yard shot.