Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy confesses to a mistake he made during preseason opener vs Rams

During the Dallas Cowboys' preseason opening loss to the Los Angeles Rams, head coach and offensive play-caller Mike McCarthy made a questionable call when he asked QB Trey Lance to hit a fade route to wide receiver Jalen Cropper.

The play-call was criticized by fans and media, including analyst Mina Kimes on the broadcast of the game, explaining that was a low-percentage throw. The fact that the Cowboys were knocking on the Rams' door with a dual-threat quarterback made it worse.

Instead of getting a score that could've been a confidence boost for Lance, the Cowboys quarterback walked away empty-handed after missing Cropper in the end zone.

McCarthy agreed after the game that it was a mistake.

"That's on me and the mechanics with the officials, there was miscommunication there, I wish I had that play call back," McCarthy confessed to reporters postgame.

Lance's first Cowboys touchdown will have to wait at least until Saturday night, when the team takes on the Las Vegas Raiders.

The young, fourth-year quarterback finished the night with 188 yards in 25 completions out of 41 attempts (61% completion rate). That last number was certainly Lance added 44 rushing yards in six attempts as he showed off what he can do with his legs.

"I'm excited to watch (the tape), I think that's the biggest part of it," Lance told reporters via ESPN's Todd Archer. "I think I left some plays out there for sure across the board from the first quarter to the fourth. We get the four extra possessions and we don't score touchdowns. That's not a good feeling."

It's fair to point out Lance was a victim of several drops from  his wide receivers, including two from sixth-round rookie wide receiver Ryan Flournoy, who could be losing ground in the WR room battle . However, the quarterback also missed opportunities, including a wide-open Flournoy on a crucial third down that could've kept the drive alive and a would-be touchdown with TE Princeton Fant, who was open in the end zone.

Ultimately, Lance could've had a better day with the opportunities he was given. But you've got to respect McCarthy owning up to the questionable play-call that might've cost his quarterback his first touchdown as a Dallas Cowboy.

Related: Trey Lance among 3 winners and 3 losers from Cowboys' loss in preseason opener vs Rams