Before the first quarter of Thursday Night Football between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys even ended, officiating decisions became the center of attention, with fans arguing that the calls could have influenced the game’s trajectory.

During Dallas’ second possession, Dak Prescott dropped back in shotgun, tried to evade pressure, and was tackled in the end zone by Jack Campbell. The referees initially ruled it a safety, costing the Cowboys eleven yards and giving Detroit a 2-point lead—a decision likely as satisfying to Jerry Jones as his post-Thanksgiving celebrations with the media.

However, the call was later overturned. The ball was placed at Dallas’ one-yard line, and the safety was rescinded after the NFL’s New York office reviewed the play using a controversial angle. The ruling ignited debates reminiscent of the “tush push” discussions, which Jones has publicly criticized.

The play drew ire from fans of both teams. Many on social media suggested primetime quarterbacks receive favorable treatment, while Cowboys supporters defended the ruling as textbook, and others simply called for consistent officiating. NFL analyst Shannon Sharpe weighed in, highlighting the placement of the ball relative to the goal line and calling the initial call “bulljive.”

Fans on X shared their own suspicions, ranging from perceived biases to conspiracies involving Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, especially given his confidence in the postseason despite trading Micah Parsons. One Lions supporter dismissed the decision as propaganda, while a Cowboys fan acknowledged it as a legitimate safety.

Heading into the game, Dallas held a 6-5-1 record, fighting for a middle spot in the NFC, while Detroit sat at 7-5, still in playoff contention. Meanwhile, teams like the Cardinals, Saints, Raiders, Titans, and Giants had already been eliminated from postseason contention.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell emphasized that his team had a very slim margin for error with upcoming matchups against the Rams, Steelers, Vikings, and NFC-leading Bears, who currently hold a 9-3 record.