Given what was at stake, the play was too big not to challenge, and McCarthy was rewarded, although the NFL subsequently changed its rules regarding what is a catch partly based on that play. On Sunday in Week 17, McCarthy faced another big challenge decision after a 10-yard Dante Pettis catch set up a field goal attempt from 50 yards that pushed the New York Giants' lead to 23-19 with 6:27 to play. McCarthy did not throw the red challenge flag; Giants place-kicker Graham Gano made the field goal and the Cowboys were unable to score a touchdown to beat New York, losing 23-19. Their season ended with a 6-10 record. "Just felt it was too close," McCarthy said. "Felt it was a bang-bang situation and the fact of the matter is we were in a tight game and the three timeouts was obviously of high value there. We just didn't think there was enough information to overturn it." After the game, McCarthy had not had a chance to get a closer look at the Pettis catch (or non-catch?) and did not regret making the decision, even if television replays appeared to show Pettis needed the ground to complete the reception. That would have meant the Cowboys could have won the game with a late field goal after driving deep inside Giants' territory. Maybe New York would have defended differently with a one-point lead, knowing a field goal would have lost the game. Maybe the Cowboys don't get deep into Giants' territory. It's a question that will never be answered and the decision sent the Cowboys into an offseason in which they need plenty of answers. Do they get a long-term deal done with quarterback Dak Prescott or will he play the 2021 season on the franchise tag? With the regular season now over, the sides can begin talks on a deal and have until mid-July to get something done before Prescott would have to play on a second straight tag.