NFL fans got their first taste of referee controversy just hours into the 2025 season. However, the way the situation unfolded made some fans enjoy it, but most Cowboys fans didn’t like it.
Cowboys Star Punching Eagles Player
Cowboys Star Punching Eagles Player (Image source: X/@CoachDanCasey)
The massive scrap took place in the first quarter of the Eagles-Cowboys Thursday Night season opener. Cameras caught Cowboys left tackle Tyler Guyton throwing a clear punch at Eagles defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo’s head.
That could have cost the Cowboys one of their players if the referee hadn’t missed what actually happened between the two. The missed call has social media in an uproar, especially considering the Eagles had already lost their best defensive player to an ejection for a much more obvious infraction.
Cowboys-Eagles Drama Boils After Refs Miss Clear Punch
The incident occurred while Okoronkwo was trying to get to Dak Prescott on a play. But on the opposite side, Guyton was caught on camera punching the Eagles defensive end in the head. The hard contact to Okoronkwo’s helmet area is exactly the type of play that typically draws an immediate ejection under NFL rules.
Left Tackle with the Left Hook 😳 pic.twitter.com/HSqAqEqAO9
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) September 5, 2025
But the officials were looking elsewhere. So, it ultimately allowed Guyton to stay in the game while the Eagles defense had to adjust their pass rush with no benefit. Fans immediately took to social media to vent their frustrations over officiating.
“No call no foul,” one fanwrotesarcastically, Another fansuggestedbias in the officiating: “Refs want Philly to take the loss,” while others pointed out just how bizarre things got.
“I saw a penalty like that once,”remarkedone observer, implying this type of call usually gets flagged.
The conspiracy theories started flying, with one fanjoking, “I can’t believe the Chiefs paid the refs not to call that penalty.”
Meanwhile, one fan tried to find the silver lining,penning“At least he didn’t taunt him.” Anotheradded, “Weird no call.”
Despite the controversy, at least one fan was enjoying the chaos. Henoted, “I didn’t know how much I missed football until this game. Holy shit this is awesome lol.”
Given the reaction, it is almost clear that the officiating crew blew a major call that could have changed the game’s trajectory.
Eagles Open Season With Gritty Win Over Cowboys
The Eagles won over the Cowboys despite losing defensive tackleJalen Carter to an ejection before the first play. His ejection set up an opening-drive touchdown march for the Cowboys and saw the Eagles lose arguably their best defensive player.
However, all the hard-fought moments just made their victory more glorious. The 24-20 win gives Philadelphia early momentum in what promises to be another brutal NFC East race. Despite dealing with several controversial calls throughout the game, they proved they are the defending champions.
Jalen Hurts made an MVP start, throwing for 152 yards and rushing for another 62. Saquon Barkley added 60 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Plus, the defense made a critical fumble recovery late in the game, ultimately helping the offense stay on track.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, have to be frustrated with the loss despitebenefiting from some favorable calls. CeeDee Lamb amassed 76 yards in the first quarter, yet the team failed to convert crucial drives when it mattered the most.