Dumb Tavon Austin Fair Catch on SNF Was Apparently Due to Ridiculous Confusion on Cowboys Sideline
By Chris Russo
The Dallas Cowboys did not necessarily lose to the Minnesota Vikings because of their coaching, but it seems they didn't help in the final minute.
It seems that when return specialist Tavon Austin called for a fair catch with nobody around him, he did so because of his coaching staff.
The Confusion Came From Keith O’Quinn Not Truthful Telling Coach Garett What He Communicated To Tavon. I’m Told Tavon Was ??? Because Things Aren’t Being Told To The Media Inaccurately. As Well As Other Players In The Locker-room Are Upset Because Tavon Is Being Sold Out!!!
— JESSE (With No “i”) (@Mr4thAndLong) November 12, 2019
According to the latest unconfirmed buzz, special teams coach Keith O'Quinn told Austin to call for a fair catch, and that he was not honest with head coach Jason Garrett in describing what happened.
The coaching staff telling Tavon Austin to fair catch that punt still has me speechless.
— Jonah Tuls (@JonahTulsNFL) November 11, 2019
Austin made the fair catch just inside Cowboys territory with 17 seconds left, though he was more than 15 yards away from the nearest Vikings player, which could have given Dallas a shorter Hail Mary, or even a punt return touchdown.
"Hey Siri, what does a frustrating screen shot look like...?" #CowboysNation pic.twitter.com/efinrGVQry
— SportsDay Cowboys (@dmn_cowboys) November 11, 2019
Austin has three return touchdowns in his career, though even his season-long 22 yard return could have made a significant difference in the Cowboys' 28-24 loss. Instead, the Cowboys moved the ball just nine yards after the fair catch, and the Vikings intercepted Dak Prescott's final passing attempt to end the game.
The Cowboys' locker room and coaching staff are reportedly furious with O'Quinn, but at least you can't blame Jason Garrett for this particular incident.