LANDOVER, Md. -- Officially, the penalty was a false start in the game book. In the words of referee John Hussey, Dallas Cowboys long snapper L.P. Ladouceur was called for a snap infraction.
Ladouceur, a 14-year veteran, could not recall ever being flagged for such a penalty.
With three seconds remaining, Ladouceur's penalty moved a potential game-tying field goal attempt from 47 to 52 yards, and Brett Maher's kick hit the left upright, leaving the Cowboys with a loss -- 20-17 against the Washington Redskins -- and at a loss.