The Dallas Cowboys lost against the Detroit Lions on Thursday. Their defense couldn’t do much against a high-octane offense and a great performance from Jahmyr Gibbs, losing 44-30 and all but ending their playoff chances in a competitive NFC.
The Cowboys were behind for the entirety of the game, but they were still able to keep it close until the final moments of the fourth quarter. But one specific call late in the game hurt their chances of mounting a comeback, with many fans arguing that the flag should’ve been called to the other side.
NFL Referees Slammed After Controversial OPI Call Vs. Cowboys
The play happened when the game was 37-27 in favor of the Lions, with the Cowboys marching down the field and facing a 3rd & 3 close to the end zone. Tight end Jake Ferguson puts a move on linebacker Alex Anzalone, who appeared to hold him as he tried to return to the play.
But officials deemed it to be an offensive pass interference when Ferguson made the move:
Controversial call against the Cowboys pic.twitter.com/ruVu7tAkO4
— 📸 (@archive1517) December 5, 2025
This controversial call late in the game outraged fans and analysts who were watching the contest closely. Both teams badly needed to win the game to improve their playoff chances in a crowded NFC, and no one wants to see important games decided by the referees.
“There’s a clear league emphasis on OPI and it’s gone horribly. Aside from that, it feels like every big moment is being delayed by the yellow flash across the telecast. Unentertaining, not fun, and it’s taking away from what makes football great,” wrote Pete Sweeney, a beat writer who follows the Chiefs.
“Insane! How do you call this?” said Warren Sharp, an analyst whose focus is on analytics.
“The Refs are really trying to keep the Cowboys out of the playoffs…we have a serious officiating problem,” said Chase Daniel, a former NFL quarterback.
“THAT’S NOT OFFENSIVE PASS INTERFERENCE!!!! THAT’S A JOKE. JUST PURE ROBBERY,” an exasperated Skip Bayless posted during the game.
“There’s no way that’s OPI… In no league that plays regular football. Maybe the worst call ever?” asked Nick Eatman, a beat writer for the Cowboys’ official website.
Pat McAfee was another one whose opinion did not go unnoticed. The former punter and media superstar wrote, “These refs are super dookie right now.”
Emmanuel Acho, another media superstar who played in the NFL as a linebacker, expressed his opinion by writing, “The refs are making sure the Cowboys don’t win this game.”
The Cowboys were unlikely to win the game even if there were no penalties called, as they were losing 37-27 with under four minutes to go. However, so close to the end zone and in a crucial game, fans rightfully wanted to see the game decided by the players.
More than any flag thrown by the referees, the defense was the real problem for the Cowboys. The unit allowed 44 points, 408 yards, and five total touchdowns. Our PFSN Defense Impact Metric ranks the Cowboys’ defense as No. 31 in the NFL.
