The Dallas Cowboys lost the fight, but they still have a chance to win the war and raise the Lombardi Trophy if they can get back on track before the postseason begins.
Micah Parsons’s battle with NFL officials is one that Dallas won’t be winning any time soon. The outstanding pass rusher hasn’t been given a holding penalty in 38 quarters, and the fans’ faith in the league’s refereeing was damaged by a contentious roughing-the-passer call.
In fact, Parsons, who has previously spoken his opinions on the matter, responded to Sunday’s Christmas Eve loss at Miami by charging the referees of having a bias against the Cowboys.
Tua Tagovailoa, the quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, was hit by Parsons late in the second quarter following a failed pass. At actual speed, it appeared to be a regular football play—he didn’t lead with his helmet or take any additional steps. However, he was flagged for roughing Tagovailoa, and the Dolphins won 13–7 at the half after scoring a touchdown on the ensuing play.
The Cowboys lost 22-20 in Miami on Sunday.
Parsons was understandably upset at the call. He talked about his frustration after the game.
Parsons remarked, “The things that are called for and the positions that we get put in are mind-blowing.” All we need to do is learn how to overcome hardship. It’s the world we live in, and I realize a lot of it is bullshit. That star is affixed to our helmet. It is difficult to play defense.
In essence, Parsons is making the very severe accusation that the officials are biased against him and the Cowboys.
Parsons went on, “[The referee] stated my intention was to punish the quarterback.” If all I’m attempting to do is fire him, how am I supposed to punish him? It wasn’t like a surprise strike. Not that I’m getting up from my feet. I didn’t take the initiative. How you manage to make that call is beyond me.
It’s common for losers to point the finger at the officials for their team’s failures, but the Cowboys had a chance to win. Nevertheless, Parsons is entitled to voice his concerns on Sunday.
In fact, Parsons tried again later in the evening, apologizing on social media for “whatever I did to the officials.”
Dallas’ chances of hosting a playoff game were harmed by the Week 16 setback, which also brought their losing run to two games. It won’t get any easier when the Detroit Lions visit on Saturday in Week 17.
Although the officials did not create this game, it is not healthy for anyone for them to become an unavoidable part of NFL football. The league has to improve, as well as its officials.
