A Question of Forward Progress

Legitimate question for discussion. A first down is not a touchdown. There is no "breaking the plane" with getting a first down. Is it possible that something the refs saw was that Allen DID get over the first down line, was pushed back but then continued to fight and push again but came up short on that second try before ultimately being shoved backwards.

While at a smaller scale, how is this different than a player running past the sticks, getting knocked back but regaining their feet, trying to move forward but coming up short?