In the first week of the regular season, 49ers free safety Madieu Williams was called for an unnecessary-roughness penalty that -- upon NFL review -- was deemed legal.
Williams was not fined but, obviously, the 15-yard penalty remained on the record.
On Sunday, the 49ers were victimized by another poor call -- and this one was a game-changer.
With two minutes remaining in the second quarter and the 49ers leading the Cowboys 14-0, the 49ers' defense held on a third-and-9 situation when Tony Romo's pass fell incomplete.
But the Cowboys received a second life when Ahmad Brooks was ruled to have lined up in the neutral zone. Now, facing a third-and-4 from the Dallas 47, Romo hit Miles Austin on a 53-yard touchdown to cut the 49ers’ lead to 14-7 at halftime.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was asked Thursday whether Brooks was, indeed, offside on the play. His answer was succinct and required no follow-up.
"No," Fangio concluded.
Williams was not fined but, obviously, the 15-yard penalty remained on the record.
On Sunday, the 49ers were victimized by another poor call -- and this one was a game-changer.
With two minutes remaining in the second quarter and the 49ers leading the Cowboys 14-0, the 49ers' defense held on a third-and-9 situation when Tony Romo's pass fell incomplete.
But the Cowboys received a second life when Ahmad Brooks was ruled to have lined up in the neutral zone. Now, facing a third-and-4 from the Dallas 47, Romo hit Miles Austin on a 53-yard touchdown to cut the 49ers’ lead to 14-7 at halftime.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was asked Thursday whether Brooks was, indeed, offside on the play. His answer was succinct and required no follow-up.
"No," Fangio concluded.
