NFL playoff results: Packers 26, Cowboys 21 as controversial call dooms Dallas

Karma came back around to bit the Dallas Cowboys Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round. One week after a controversial picked up flag that took away a pass interference and cost the Detroit Lions a first down in the closing moments, the Cowboys were the victims of a controversial call Sunday in a 26-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

A fourth-down grab at the goal line by Dez Bryant that would have set the Cowboys up for a possible game-winning score was ruled an incomplete pass after it went to replay.

The Internet exploded with reaction, of course.

Sorry @dallascowboys. We know the feeling: http://t.co/CfC95Nj3Q6. #CompletingTheProcess pic.twitter.com/7xuEA9FH49

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 11, 2015

Poetic Justice. Sorry Cowboys fans, but this is hilarious.

— Corey Hilliard (@slabzilla78) January 11, 2015

It's Funny how life works... Haha

— Cornelius Lucas (@larry_lovestein) January 11, 2015

Here is referee Gene Steratore's explanation:

Steratore: "There were a couple of angles that show the ball actually hitting the ground and then the receiver losing possession of it."

— Tom Rock (@TomRock_Newsday) January 11, 2015

Steratore said it was clear to him and the New York office that the ball hit the ground and thus incomplete. Said it's "a joint decision.''

— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) January 11, 2015

So you can read it all yourselves: The official "Officials Pool Report" from Packers-Cowboys ... pic.twitter.com/4zGiJAD7TP

— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoNYDN) January 11, 2015

Classy reaction from Dallas coach Jason Garrett:

Jason Garrett: "I walk out of this locker room with head held high and shoulders back because it's a hell of a football team."

— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) January 11, 2015

New Jersey governor Chris Christie wasn't happy:

"I'm in a glass case of emotion!" RT @erikmal: pic.twitter.com/t3Xfj6Urzk

— Mitch Goldich (@mitchgoldich) January 11, 2015

Bryant going to the ground. By rule he must hold onto it throughout entire process of contacting the ground. He didn't so it is incomplete.

— Dean Blandino (@DeanBlandino) January 11, 2015

The reactions of some Giants' players:

Nightmare over. No Super Bowl for the Cowboys! #GBvsDAL #NFLPlayoffs

— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) January 11, 2015

Wow what a reverse. Right call though. He didn't control it.

— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) January 11, 2015

This the first time ever in history that they gave makeup call a week later.. lol #NFLPLAYOFFS #cowboysvspackers

— Robert Ayers Jr (@1_900_ayersjr) January 11, 2015

Colts 24, Broncos 13

The Indianapolis Colts advanced to an AFC Championship Game meeting with the New England Patriots by beating the Denver Broncos in Denver, 24-13. Did we just witness the end of Peyton Manning's career?

Near end of Sunday's game, Jim Nantz said Peyton told CBS crew that he's no longer certainly returning, and that he's going to wait and see.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 12, 2015