Dak Prescott Blasts Refs Over Controversial Jake Ferguson Call
The Dallas Cowboys suffered a 44-30 defeat to the Detroit Lions on Thursday night, but the postgame conversation quickly shifted from the scoreboard to one of the most baffling officiating blunders of the season.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott didn’t hold back in criticizing the officials after tight end Jake Ferguson was flagged for offensive pass interference late in the fourth quarter — a call that stunned fans, broadcasters, and even the Cowboys themselves.
The Controversial Play
With 3:50 left in the game and facing 3rd-and-3 from Detroit’s 11-yard line, Ferguson executed a textbook swim move, using his arms to navigate tight coverage. Replays clearly showed Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone tugging on Ferguson’s jersey, seemingly warranting a defensive penalty.
Instead, after a confusing review, the referees flagged Ferguson for offensive pass interference. Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, appeared incredulous on the sideline, while even the Amazon Prime broadcast team questioned the call.
Prescott, typically composed, reacted candidly when asked about the situation:
“Do I get fined for talking about this?… I’m sorry, that was bad. 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.”
Fans and Analysts React
The ruling sparked widespread debate. Observers argued that Ferguson was playing within NFL rules, and Anzalone’s interference was the real infraction. The call became a viral talking point, with many labeling it one of the worst officiating mistakes of the season.
While it’s clear that the call didn’t directly cost the Cowboys the game — Detroit scored quickly on the ensuing drive regardless — it did erase a critical scoring opportunity and left fans and players frustrated. A touchdown on that drive could have narrowed the gap, making the closing minutes far more competitive.
The Bigger Picture
The situation underscores ongoing concerns about NFL officiating. Even in a regular-season game, the league cannot afford errors that dramatically affect outcomes or undermine the integrity of high-stakes contests. Calls like this are particularly alarming in games with playoff implications, as they can shift momentum and impact team morale.
Prescott’s reaction — calm but direct — reflects the growing frustration among players forced to navigate these questionable decisions. “Call it on the guy who committed it, let’s play football,” he essentially argued, capturing the sentiment of fans and teammates alike.
Closing Thoughts
While the Cowboys’ loss was ultimately decided on the field, the Jake Ferguson flag will likely be remembered longer than the final score. It serves as a stark reminder of how officiating errors, especially at critical moments, can overshadow even the most competitive contests.
For Dak Prescott and the Cowboys, the message is clear: they demand accountability, consistency, and respect for the rules, no matter the game situation. For the NFL, the call is another signal that improvement in officiating is not just desirable—it’s essential.
