The Cowboys and Eagles are playing this weekend in a huge matchup that will help decide who wins the NFC East. The importance of the game, along with the fierceness of the rivalry, means that either side scrutinizes any perceived advantage.
To wit, Dallas fans think they may have found an area where Philadelphia is getting an edge, and they are not happy about it.
The NFL announced that referee John Hussey’s crew will officiate the game, and the Eagles are 7–0 when Hussey works their games, a record which includes the 2023 NFC championship game and the Eagles’ win over the Cowboys on Oct. 16, 2022.
John Hussey will the the Head Referee for Sunday’s game against the #Cowboys. The #Eagles are 7-0 when he referees, including last year’s MNF vs. Cowboys, and the NFC Championship.
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) December 7, 2023
In those games, the Eagles were penalized just 6 times, compared to 21 for their opponents.
(via… pic.twitter.com/bKVZC6DY09
When Cowboys fans caught wind of the officiating assignment, they sounded off on the decision on social media.
John Hussey will the the Head Referee for Sunday’s game against the #Cowboys. The #Eagles are 7-0 when he referees, including last year’s SNF vs. Cowboys, and the NFC Championship.
— Nes (@JohnWick2288) December 7, 2023
In those games, the Eagles were penalized just 6 times, compared to 21 for their opponents.
Apparently we have John Hussey’s crew officiating Sunday night against the Eagles. He has 150 penalties called this season in 11 games. They have not called any Cowboys or Eagles games this season thus far, but average about 13 per game. We gotta bring our A game!
— Joshua Hubler ✭ (@JoshuaHubler1) December 7, 2023
Ah yes naturally the @NFL assigns John Hussey to the Cowboys-Eagles game for the must win game. The eagles are 7-0 when Hussey calls their games…Nearly a 4:1 penalty ratio. Deploying the eagles best player yet again.
— $ryner (@OxRyner) December 8, 2023
eagles undefeated with him reffing man the league doing all they can to stop dak from winning mvp https://t.co/xsXUqjQ2Na
— Optimist KT (@KT_3410) December 6, 2023
Between Eagles fans defending holding penalties only being called on their OL 4 times this season and bragging about their team being 7-0 with John Hussey. There shouldn't be any complaints from them about the Refs if their team loses on Sunday Night. https://t.co/kXbIufOT1F
— Annoyed Cowboys Fan. (@AwesomeBamon) December 9, 2023
@NFL Why is John Hussey refereeing the Eagles/Cowboys game?
— Marvin Murray Jr (@PigskinLoves81) December 9, 2023
He’s a huge Eagles guy
They never lose when he refs the games smh (Eagles are 7-0 when he does)
🧐🤔
It’s giving me Scott Foster /Chris Paul vibes
Switch his work assignment lol
You got time lol
The Eagles (10–2) and Cowboys (9–3) are set to kick off Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium, and Philadelphia’s record with Hussey likely will be a topic of conversation throughout the game.