The first game of the 2025 NFL season is already bringing the fireworks. Less than a half into the matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles, fans have borne witness to all kinds of drama.
From injuries to a shocking ejection, and some explosive offensive plays, the season opener is living up to its billing as a marquee meeting.
However, it hasn’t been without its fair share of criticisms. As both teams scored on their opening two drives, the score quickly ratcheted up to 14 apiece. But for the Cowboys fan base, that number wasn’t good enough.
Throughout social media, a barrage of comments were made about the holding calls that were missed against the home team at Lincoln Financial Field.
Cowboys Fans Have Officiating Complaints Aplenty During First Half
For the most part, the Dallas defense has done an excellent job of stopping the run. Despite the 2024 NFL rushing champion Saquon Barkley, on the other side, the Cowboys have held their own on the ground.
Through the first two drives, Barkley has just 35 yards on eight carries. However, the game-breaking component of the Eagles offense has come courtesy of Jalen Hurts’ running ability. On five carries, he’s tallied 43 yards while adding two rushing touchdowns.
Yet, for Dallas fans, his success has been a direct result of referee negligence. All across X, people have been clamoring for a number of holding calls against the Eagles that haven’t gone the Cowboys’ way.
Some took it a step further to make their point. One fan wrote, “They allow them to hold every single time.”
They allow them to hold every single time
— Lawrence Jones III (@LawrenceBJones3) September 5, 2025
However, that comment wasn’t isolated; it was more of the norm across social media.
One fan even singled out what he felt were missed calls against a Second-Team All-Pro selection from last season, Jordan Mailata. “68 holding every damn play. Got to call that obvious hold.”
For some, though, there was a direct correlation between the holding calls and the scoreboard.
68 holding every damn play. Got to call that obvious hold
— El Cabrito (@ElCabrito88) September 5, 2025
“The holding by the Eagles is ridiculous…its the ONLY reason they scored! These refs need to do their job and call the game fairly. #DALvsPHI”
But for most fans, the biggest problem was the double standard between the two sides.
The holding by the Eagles is ridiculous…its the ONLY reason they scored! These refs need ti do their job and call the game fairly. #DALvsPHI
— Connie Sue (@connie_sue22) September 5, 2025
As one fan complained, “@nfl holding calls are a joke. What’s called one play is let go on the next.” Simply put, most fans believed that the lack of calls was becoming too blatant as the game progressed.
@nfl holding calls are a joke. What’s called one play is let go on the next.
— RJH2OS (@Melbeachboy) September 5, 2025
“The amount of holding that’s happening is criminal,” another fan argued. However, the comments from the fan base did not change the scenario in any way. On their third offensive possession, no holding calls were made against the Eagles as they marched the field before Barkley exploded for his first touchdown of the night.
The amount of holding that’s happening is criminal
— AceCash (@NxFaceAce) September 5, 2025
It’s unlikely that comments on X will change the way a game is officiated in real time. However, as we’ve seen in recent years, especially with the Kansas City Chiefs, the voice of the fan base can lead to change over the course of the season.
