Report: NFL told Cowboys refs erred calling tripping penalties vs. Patriots

The NFL informed the Dallas Cowboys that two tripping penalties during Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots shouldn't have been called, a source told ESPN's Todd Archer.

A tripping call on center Travis Frederick cost the Cowboys a conversion on third-and-1 while they were driving for a potential go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

After the crucial flag, Dak Prescott's third- and fourth-down passes fell incomplete, all but sealing the 13-9 win for New England.

The other tripping call came in the first quarter against left tackle Tyron Smith, putting Dallas in a second-and-23 situation. The Cowboys had their punt blocked on the subsequent fourth down, leading to the Patriots' lone touchdown of the game.

Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence vented his frustrations with the calls on Twitter:

Dallas fell to 6-5 with the loss. The Cowboys remain just one game ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles in the race for the NFC East title.