Dez Bryant Appears to Make Sensational Grab vs. Packers, Refs Say No Catch

A controversial play late in Sunday's playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers will be the subject of many debates around the country this week.

Trailing 26-21, Dallas faced a 4th-and-2 from the Green Bay 32-yard line. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo threw a deep pass along the sideline to Dez Bryant. Bryant did a great job of going up to make the catch and was ruled down at the 1-yard line.

However, Packers coach Mike McCarthy challenged the play. After review, the referees ruled that Bryant did not maintain control of the ball, as it hit the ground and popped loose momentarily.

Bryant couldn't believe the call:

Update: Saturday, January 24

With both of their seasons over, Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields, the player guarding Bryant on the controversial play, says it was a catch, per ESPNDallas.com's Todd Archer:

"

It was a catch. But the new rule and at the last minute what happened, that’s what the refs came up with. I never said he didn’t catch it. He made a helluva catch I was in great coverage. Like I said, it was good on good and he came up with the catch. I did look back and I seen him reaching and I guess that’s when he didn’t control the ball as he was doing that.

"

---End of update---

Even New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr.—the master of sick catches—was amazed:

Beckham didn't agree with the final ruling:

"

Dez Bryant's reaction is everything pic.twitter.com/d0eerlqrh2

— FootBasket.com (@FootBasketcom) January 11, 2015"

Funnily enough, the controversial reversal induced sympathy from the Detroit Lions—the team that was on the wrong side of a controversial call against Dallas last week. A similar call went against Detroit star Calvin Johnson a few seasons ago:

After taking over on downs, Green Bay was able to run out the clock and hold on for the 26-21 victory. As the Packers ran out the clock, here was Bryant on the Cowboys bench:

After the game, Bryant made it quite clear what his thoughts on the play were:

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett was disappointed with the call:

Here's what referee Gene Steratore had to say, per ESPN NFL Nation's Rob Demovsky:

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers gave his thoughts on the referees:

The NFL's head of officiating Dean Blandino weighed in on the call:

Was this a catch or not?

[Vine, Twitter]