Following the Raiders’ 36-33 loss to the Cowboys in the Thanksgiving game, there are plenty of questions about the team. The first one has to do with its performance. Dallas is not playing exactly well and there are specific errors that continue to cost dearly. Again, Prescott failed in an important situation. Along with the specific errors of cornerback Anthony Brown and the lost points of kicker Greg Zuerlein.
However, there are other details regarding the game and they have to do with the heap of penalties. In total, both teams had 28 penalties and two more that were rejected.
Just in the case of the Cowboys, we are talking about 14 penalties for a total of 166 yards. This is a historical record for the franchise, since the last time they lost that many yards due to penalties, it was against Washington in 1970 with 161.
Cowboys came into NFL existence in 1960. Today, they were penalized 14 times for 166 yards, setting a franchise record for most penalty yards in a game.
They lost to Raiders in overtime, 36-33.
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 26, 2021
As expected, this has not done well for some players and part of the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff. The truth is that the judges were very strict on both sides, and many of the penalties damaged the show as a whole.
“It’s tough, especially in your own stadium,” wide receiver Michael Gallup said of penalty yards. “You are playing against two elements, the referees and the other team.”
Cowboys WR Michael Gallup on 166 penalty yards: “That is tough, especially in our own stadium. You’re playing two teams. You’re playing the refs and the other team.” Five takeaways from Cowboys’ overtime loss to Raiders: https://t.co/7g8780PWbu pic.twitter.com/49yz35kElC
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 26, 2021
Gallup’s words would rather be quiet compared to another Cowboy player who did not take the refereeing at all well. This is linebacker Micah Parsons, who made it totally clear that he did not understand what happened on Thursday’s day.
“We should be playing football, not bringing it,” said the defensive cowboy. “I’m not here to support anyone and play tag as if it were my best friend. I have a job to do, and since I see that he is out of the bag (referring to rival quarterback Derek Carr), I’m going to go for the quarterback. “
Micah Parsons: “I think we should be playing football, not tag.”
(Video: @dallascowboys) pic.twitter.com/vqIyFJpJpV
– Jon Machota (onjonmachota) November 26, 2021
These statements have to do with a penalty that Parsons received against the passer. The action took place just over nine minutes from the end of the third quarter. Where the game was even by 17 to 13. The controversial action brought as a consequence that the rivals advanced 15 yards more. Eventually, the Raiders would score thanks to a three-yard run by backup quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Faced with this situation, the same player posted his astonishment at the decision on his social networks. Stating that he has never been a dirty player and has someone teach him about doing the action better anyway.
Lol this was roughing the passer! Never been a dirty guy! But can someone teach me how I could have played this better?! https://t.co/MmgZBJQLLx
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) November 26, 2021
On the technical side, the one who is investigating on the subject is the head coach Mike McCarthy. By Friday, the head coach stated that he had already spoken with the league authorities about the use of the referees’ handkerchiefs. In fact, he commented that he will continue in talks with the offices all in order to avoid similar situations in the future.
Without a doubt, McCarthy’s complaint is valid for the simple fact that this has not been the only game in which it has happened, nor the only team that has been in such a situation. For much of this season, there are several complaints of abuse by umpires and penalties that were not even based. This is undoubtedly taking away from the show and may get to a point where fans themselves are getting fed up with the NFL.
Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore himself, who is usually a very calm guy on the wings, demanded an explanation after the game ended. Especially because of Anthony Brown’s pass interference in overtime. That he would end up giving the Raiders victory with Daniel Carlson’s field goal.
Unfortunately, the game was tainted by many of the refereeing decisions. But at the end of the day, it’s another loss for the Cowboys and they must react quickly to the Saints on Thursday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Since the Eagles are catching up with them in the division, and that’s precisely what to avoid at all costs.
