3 times refs screwed the Commanders in Week 4 loss to Cowboys
By Jerry Trotta
Just like that, the Washington Commanders are 1-3.
Don’t be deceived by the article’s headline. In no way, shape or form are we blaming the referees for Washington’s loss to the Cowboys. The Commanders didn’t play winning football. It’s that simple. They negated two turnovers with penalties, committed countless false starts, didn’t give their quarterback enough time to find his receivers and were once again susceptible to the big play on defense.
With that said, the zebras clearly favored the home team on Sunday. While most of Washington’s penalties were warranted, some were highly questionable. In other moments, the referees decided not to litter the field with laundry when it was called for. Most of these instances victimized the Commanders and let the Cowboys off the hook.
Let’s highlight some of these unfortunate moments.
3 times Commanders got screwed by officiating vs the Cowboys
3. Two missed DPIs on Terry McLaurin
What does Terry McLaurin have to do to get a flag? Sign a $80 million extension instead of a $70 million extension? In the first quarter, refs missed a blatant pass interference call on Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson on a Carson Wentz deep shot to McLaurin on third down.
The throw had the makings of another Wentz desperation heave, which typically end up intercepted or sailed out of bounds. This one, though, was right on the money, but it looked overthrown in real time as Wilson obstructed McLaurin’s path as the receiver tried to make a play on the ball.
The last time we checked, you can’t block a receiver 40 yards downfield. When you play for the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, we suppose anything is possible. Can’t understate the significance of that play if it’s called in Washington’s favor. Alas, they were screwed out of a chance to take an early advantage in the game.
Later in the game, McLaurin was very obviously held by Trevon Diggs, who admittedly played a strong game in coverage, in the end zone. On the very next play, a penalty was called on Washington. On the Cowboys’ ensuing drive, William Jackson was flagged for holding for less contact than what Diggs made with McLaurin.
The refereeing was one-sided on Sunday. Period.