Cowboys Coach Makes Surprise Comments on Muffed Punt Drama

There have been plenty of losses for the Dallas Cowboys in this season from hell. The last one in Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals perhaps hurt more than the other seven. Once again, the Cowboys couldn't get out of their own way and found new ways to beat themselves.

Most of the attention has been rightfully given to the blocked punt play at the end of the game. After forcing a punt at the two-minute warning, the Cowboys linebacker Nick Vigil blocked the Bengals' punt with the game tied at 20-20. Dallas had the chance to get the ball back in an excellent field position before cornerback Amani Oruwariye touched the ball but failed to corral it.

Cincinnati ended up recovering the punt, setting their game-winning drive. Cowboys players and fans have voiced their disappointment in the late-game miscue but special teams coach John Fassel came to the defense of Oruwariye. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Fassel said that he told Oruwariye he would have done the same thing if he were in the 28-year-old defender's shoes, per The Athletic's Jon Machota.

Cowboys ST Coach John Fassel Refuses to Blame Amani Oruwariye

Fassel said that the play happened so fast that Oruwariye likely just heard the roar and saw the pigskin and understandably wanted to grab it. The experienced coach said Oruwariye didn't cost them the game and that the cornerback understood that.

Even though Oruwariye was certainly not the only Cowboy to make mistakes on Monday night, his mishap came at the worst possible time. If he hadn't touched the ball, Brandon Aubrey would have had an excellent chance of winning the game with a field goal. Even though the coaching staff's desire to protect its players is commendable, it's important to be honest about what transpired on the field.

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