NFL Fans Blaming Cowboys Loss On 'Stupid' Rule

NFL fans are demanding the league change a "stupid" rule following a crazy play in the Dallas Cowboys vs. Cincinnati Bengals game on Monday Night Football.

The Cowboys, 5-7 on the year, are hosting the 4-8 Bengals at AT&T Stadium. Dallas and Cincinnati were tied late in the fourth quarter, when the Cowboys' defense came up with a big stop. Dallas was set to get the ball back with 2:00 to play in the game. The Cowboys blocked Cincinnati's punt attempt, but were unable to recover it. A Dallas player touched the football, before it was recovered by Cincinnati.

For some reason, the NFL's rules state that Cincinnati gets to retain possession. The Bengals didn't even recover the ball past the first down marker.

NFL fans are admitting that while the Cowboys player made a stupid play going for the ball - everyone should know the rule - it's a dumb rule. Why penalize the defense for blocking a punt and not coming up with full possession? What incentive is there for teams to even try to block a punt?

If the Bengals had retained possession past the first down marker, then maybe it would make sense. But in this scenario, it's just a weird rule.

"if you block a punt, in no scenario should the kicking team get the ball back unless the receiving team recovers and clearly fumbles. What a dumb rule," one fan wrote.

"Dumb rule though. Why even try to block a punt if the kicking team can recover it," one fan added.

"Honestly that’s a dumb rule. That should be like a fumble. Cowboys should have the ball," one fan added.

"I’ve always hated that rule. It’s so dumb," another fan added.

The Bengals ended up topping the Cowboys, 27-20, following a touchdown pass from Joe Burrow to Ja'Marr Chase. 

Dallas falls to 5-8 on the season, while Cincinnati improved to 5-8 on the year.

Should the NFL consider changing the rule in the offseason?