SANTA CLARA — To the surprise of many, Blaine Gabbert and the 49ers came out of the gates on fire. San Francisco took a 14-0 lead on two long touchdown drives and were holding Dallas in check on the defensive end.
But the momentum and their lead were both completely stolen by the Cowboys thanks to a questionable call in the second quarter.
On the third-down play in question, Jaquiski Tartt was flagged for unnecessary roughness on Dak Prescott. The Cowboys quarterback was out of the pocket as a ball carrier and the contact seemed very incidental, and was well before the whistle was blown.
Instead of punting, the Cowboys extended the drive and scored on a 20-yard pass from Prescott to Terrence Williams, and they added another touchdown right before the half.
We’ll be sure to follow up with Chip Kelly and the players in the locker room if this does in fact cost the 49ers a Week 4 win.
How is this an unnecessary roughness call @MikePereira ?? https://t.co/JW4zTwa78P
— 49ers Hub (@49ersHub) October 2, 2016