The fallout from the Cowboys‘ latest setback didn’t end with the final whistle.
Instead, the conversation shifted sharply toward quarterback Dak Prescott, whose postgame remarks about the officiating in the loss to the Lions ignited a new wave of criticism, not for the call itself, but for how he chose to frame it in the aftermath of a high-stakes, nationally watched game.
It all unfolded late in the fourth quarter, with Dallas trailing Detroit. On a crucial 3rd-and-goal from the Lions‘ 11, officials flagged tight end Jake Ferguson for offensive pass interference after a swim move against linebacker Alex Anzalone.
The call wiped out what had been a promising opportunity for the Cowboys. Instead of pushing for a go-ahead score, Dallas settled for a field goal, a decision that proved costly.
After the game, Prescott spoke frankly about his frustration. “Do I get fined for talking about this? … I’m sorry, that was bad,” he said.
“I got to look at the film, maybe I can see it from their vantage point. I know I talked to the ref after, he said [Ferguson] aggressively pulled through. I’ve never seen a call like that.”
His words may have resonated with some teammates and coaches, but not with many fans or media observers. On X, users expressed their perspectives.
“Prescott sucks.” one user wrote.
Another called out Prescott‘s hypocrisy, saying, “Now ask him about every single other call that went the Cowboys way. Jesus Christ man.”
Many other users and analysts pointed out that the penalty was declined anyways, with one writing, “Did anyone ask Dak how he thinks a declined penalty on a non-catch affected the game at all? Relative to the last two games that were gifted to them with penalties….”
Others noted that the Cowboys‘ own defensive collapse, rather than officiating, was the primary reason Detroit pulled away.
Even with 376 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, the end result made clear that the referees were not the sole culprit.
More than just a bad call
This isn’t the first time Prescott has publicly criticized officiating, and prior instances serve as a backdrop here.
Back in 2022, following a playoff loss, Prescott faced harsh backlash after he seemed to condone fans throwing bottles and debris at referees.
Faced with growing criticism, he eventually apologized, tweeting: “I deeply regret the comments I made regarding the officials after the game … I hold the NFL Officials in the highest regard … That was a mistake on my behalf, and I am sorry.”
While coach Brian Schottenheimer declined to elaborate on the calls, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones did not hold back.
Jones told local media “we did not have a penalty on that call…just not one. Period.” He added, “Now in a way, we live with those calls. We all do. I’m a big believer in that.”
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