Ramsey calls OPI call on Cowboys 'clear as day,' McCarthy disagrees
The first Sunday night matchup of the 2020 NFL season ended in controversy when the Dallas Cowboys' late comeback attempt against the Los Angeles Rams was thwarted by a widely debated offensive pass interference call.
Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup hauled in a 47-yard catch during the final minute to give his team a chance to at least send the game to overtime with a field-goal attempt. However, the referees ruled that Gallup pushed off Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Though some questioned the call, Ramsey thought it was an obvious flag.
"If they hadn't have called that, I would have been really upset," Ramsey said, according to ESPN. "That was clear as day, in my opinion."
Really didn't like this OPI call on Michael Gallup. He doesn't extend his arms. Both he and Ramsey are hand-fighting. Good job by Ramsey to sell it. pic.twitter.com/gQY1Xx5ZP1
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) September 14, 2020
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy wasn't happy to see the matchup - and his chance to earn a win in his debut with the team - end in the way it did.
"I was surprised there was a call either way," McCarthy said. "Obviously I'm very disappointed in the call, especially that late. You don't see that at a critical part of the game."
Dallas' last drive ultimately fell short two plays later on 4th-and-20, allowing Los Angeles to escape with the 20-17 victory in its first game in the $5-billion SoFi Stadium.
"I can tell you it was clear and obvious on the field, of a hand into the opposing player," referee Tony Corrente said. "A full arm extension that created separation. In all situations that would be called. We're not going to allow that at any time of the game."