Although NFL fans were finally treated to a high-scoring prime time battle on Thursday Night Football, there was plenty of criticism about the game’s officiating.
Flags were flying during the clash between the Cowboys and Seahawks, as officials were calling a strict game.
Both teams surrendered more than 100 penalty yards as there were a total of 19 accepted penalties, including 10 against Seattle and nine against Dallas. The Seahawks’ penalties cost them 130 yards, while the Cowboys set themselves back 127 yards.
At one point during the fourth quarter, the Prime Video broadcast indicated the combined 252 penalty yards were the most in any NFL game this season. The game ended with a total of 257 penalty yards, adding to the new season high.
Fans and media members took to social media to voice their displeasure with the officiating on Thursday night, suggesting it took away from an otherwise excellent game.
Refs ruining what had been a sensational game
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) December 1, 2023
TWO HUNDRED FIFTY TWO penalty yards tonight, which the broadcast said is the most in any game this season…holy hell 😂 #SEAvsDAL pic.twitter.com/RnbBUbxkqr
— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) December 1, 2023
Tonight's game in one picture: https://t.co/tj4fAX5ItN pic.twitter.com/w8JpGJYRJg
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 1, 2023
YOOOOOOO refs playing for Dallas right omg let them play
— LeSean Shady Mccoy (@CutonDime25) December 1, 2023
We finally get a good Thursday Night Football game
— Gump Cathcart (@bubbagumpino) December 1, 2023
The refs: pic.twitter.com/33QrbutLyI
The refs called this PI on Bobby Wagner… this is the 3rd first down the Cowboys got by penalty on this drive. Insane. #SEAvsDAL pic.twitter.com/zTb9tc3nsT
— Mike McDaniel (@MikMcDaniel) December 1, 2023
“Look how Dallas answered.” You mean, look at how the refs answered. Nearly every yard in that drive was given to them.
— Brian Nemhauser (@hawkblogger) December 1, 2023
The refs have hijacked Cowboys Seahawks this evening pic.twitter.com/ruxGpd37yd
— Josh (@jetsfan24x7) December 1, 2023
The Cowboys went onto win 41–35, improving to 9–3 on the season.
