**NFL REPORT: Two Cowboys Goals Against Texans Cancelled Due to Controversial Referee Decisions**
The NFL preseason is often filled with dramatic moments, but Sunday’s game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans took controversy to a new level. In a thrilling matchup at NRG Stadium, two potential scoring plays by the Cowboys were nullified due to referee decisions, leaving fans, players, and analysts divided over the calls.
### **The Controversial Moments**
The first incident occurred early in the second quarter. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott connected with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb on a spectacular 25-yard touchdown pass. The Cowboys’ sideline erupted in celebration, only to have the play brought back after an offensive pass interference penalty against Lamb. Replay footage showed minimal contact between Lamb and the Texans’ cornerback, leading many to question whether the penalty was warranted.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy voiced his frustration immediately. “We’re playing football here,” McCarthy said during a postgame press conference. “That was a textbook route by CeeDee. I didn’t see anything that justified a flag.”
The second controversial decision came in the fourth quarter when running back Tony Pollard broke through the Texans’ defensive line for a 10-yard rushing touchdown. As the Cowboys prepared to kick the extra point, the referees announced the play was under review. After a lengthy deliberation, the officials ruled that Pollard’s knee was down before the ball crossed the plane, erasing the score. Slow-motion replays shown on the stadium’s big screen appeared inconclusive, further fueling the debate.
### **Fan and Player Reactions**
Fans inside the stadium expressed their dissatisfaction with loud boos, and social media platforms were quickly flooded with posts from viewers questioning the calls. Many accused the officiating crew of inconsistency, citing examples of similar plays from other games that had not been overturned.
Cowboys star Micah Parsons also voiced his frustration on Twitter, saying, *“Let the players decide the game. This is getting ridiculous.”* His tweet quickly gained traction, with fans and fellow players chiming in to support his sentiment.
Meanwhile, Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans defended the referees, emphasizing the importance of the rulebook. “Calls like these are part of the game,” Ryans said. “We trust the officials to make the right decisions, and tonight they did.”
### **Impact on the Game**
The nullified goals ultimately proved costly for the Cowboys, who fell to the Texans 24-17. The two cancelled scores could have swung the game in Dallas’ favor, but instead, the team was forced to settle for a loss that will undoubtedly add pressure as they head into the regular season.
Despite the defeat, Prescott remained optimistic, focusing on the positives. “It’s tough, no doubt,” Prescott said. “But we’ve got a lot of talent and resilience. We’re going to use this as fuel moving forward.”
### **NFL’s Response**
As the controversy grew, the NFL released a statement addressing the officiating. “The integrity of the game is our highest priority,” the statement read. “The decisions made during Sunday’s game were consistent with league rules and were thoroughly reviewed. We understand the passion of the fans and players and will continue to ensure fairness in every game.”
The league’s response did little to quell the criticism. Prominent sports analysts weighed in, with some calling for changes to the review process. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith labeled the calls “an embarrassment,” while others advocated for more transparency in officiating.
### **Looking Ahead**
The Cowboys will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The team has shown promise throughout the preseason, but Sunday’s loss highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in overcoming adversity on the field.
For the Texans, the victory serves as a confidence boost heading into the regular season. Quarterback C.J. Stroud delivered a solid performance, and the team’s defense displayed grit against a potent Dallas offense.
As the dust settles, the game between the Cowboys and Texans will be remembered not just for the action on the field, but for the lingering debates about the role of referees in shaping the outcome. Whether these moments spark changes in the NFL’s officiating procedures remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the passion and intensity of football continue to captivate fans across the nation.
