“Refs have been a disgrace this year”: NFL fans fume as officials fail to flag Cowboys block vs DeVonta Smith

NFL fans erupted in anger during Sunday's high-stakes Philadelphia Eagles-Dallas Cowboys clash. Officials missed what appeared to be an illegal block that sent Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith to the medical tent.

The incident occurred on Philadelphia's second play from scrimmage. Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau delivered a hard hit on Smith while Kenny Pickett scrambled outside the pocket. He immediately grabbed his right wrist and headed to the sideline.

The stakes for this divisional matchup couldn't be higher. Philadelphia (12-3) aims to clinch the NFC East title and stay in contention for the conference's top seed. Meanwhile, Dallas (7-8) fights to keep its playoff hopes alive under Mike McCarthy.

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles - Source: Imagn

The controversy adds another chapter to a game already marked by notable absences. Both teams started backup quarterbacks — Pickett for the concussed Jalen Hurts and Cooper Rush replaced the injured Dak Prescott (hamstring).

Initial fan reactions highlighted the mounting frustration with officiating consistency throughout the season.

"Refs have been a disgrace this year," one fan wrote.

"It's every week. Every single week," another fan wrote.

"Is there a concerted effort to not call penalties here?" one fan said.

The game progressed into a defensive battle, with C.J. Gardner-Johnson's 69-yard pick-six giving Philadelphia an early 7-0 lead. Fans continued expressing their discontent.

"What's new?" a fan commented.

"Eagles better man up," one fan wrote.

"Man wtf," one fan said.

What happened to DeVonta Smith after the hit?

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles - Source: Imagn

DeVonta Smith's injury scare raised immediate concerns for the Eagles' passing attack. After entering the blue medical tent, broadcast cameras caught him shaking his right hand on the sideline with his helmet removed.

The timing proves particularly challenging for Philadelphia. Smith had missed three games earlier this season but recently found his rhythm, scoring touchdowns in two of his last three appearances. His health remains crucial as the Eagles pursue both the division crown and potential top seed in the NFC.

The officiating controversy overshadowed an intense defensive showcase. Dallas' defense, led by Micah Parsons (NFL-best 8.5 sacks since Week 10), faced an Eagles team that hadn't scored a defensive TD all season. This was until Gardner-Johnson's interception return.