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Jets Offensive Coordinator Accuses Refs of Favoritism Toward Cowboys in Controversial Loss

New York, NY – October 6, 2025

Jets Offensive Coordinator Tanner Engstrand publicly criticized NFL officials after Sunday’s 37–22 overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys, claiming multiple missed calls directly changed the outcome of the game.

Engstrand submitted an official report to the league office highlighting three officiating errors that he called “unacceptable and damaging to the integrity of competition.”

In the third quarter, a pass from Justin Fields to Garrett Wilson clearly struck the

SkyCam cable, which by rule (Rule 8, Section 1, Article 4) should result in a dead ball and replay of the down. Referee Ron Torbert ruled it incomplete, forcing a Jets punt deep in Cowboys territory — a sequence Engstrand argued “robbed us of a touchdown opportunity.”

Later, in overtime, Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. delivered a late hit on Fields after a throw — a textbook

roughing the passer that went uncalled. The non-call led to a Jets punt and set up Dallas’s 64-yard game-winning field goal.

Finally, after Jake Ferguson’s fourth-quarter touchdown, Cowboys lineman Nate Thomas appeared to taunt a Jets player near the sideline. Officials ignored the unsportsmanlike conduct, allowing Dallas to keep favorable field position.

Engstrand didn’t hold back after the game:
“I’ve beaten the Cowboys before — they’re nothing special without help from the refs. What we saw tonight wasn’t football; it was manipulation,”

he said. “If we let this slide, it’ll happen again.”

 

According to multiple reports (ESPN, Pro Football Network), the NFL is expected to review Torbert’s officiating crew for potential disciplinary action, citing

misapplication of rules and missed fouls in key moments that heavily benefited Dallas.

Steelers Add Two Former Packers Fan Favorites to Practice Squad To Strengthen Defense Ahead Of Browns Game
  PITTSBURGH – On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed two linebackers formerly with the Green Bay Packers for a workout session. The players invited were Michael Barrett and Isaiah Simmons, as the team looks to bolster its defensive unit ahead of upcoming games. Isaiah Simmons, selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, has appeared in 84 games. He has recorded 329 tackles (226 solo, 103 assisted), 8.5 sacks (74 yards), 5 interceptions (127 yards), 2 interception touchdowns, 9 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Simmons, who briefly signed with the Packers in 2025 but didn’t make the final roster, is known for his versatility and impressive speed. Michael Barrett, a 7th-round pick (240th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, has limited NFL experience. He has appeared in a few games on practice squads with teams like the Packers and Browns but has yet to record significant stats (0 tackles, sacks, or interceptions). At Michigan, Barrett had a standout final college season with 65 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Alex Highsmith, a key linebacker for the Steelers, suffered a high ankle sprain during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 14, 2025. The injury sidelined him for Weeks 3 and 4, with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 weeks. While Highsmith was not placed on injured reserve to maintain roster flexibility, he is still recovering post-bye week and expected to return soon. However, the Steelers are seeking temporary replacements for the edge rusher position. The workouts with Barrett and Simmons reflect head coach Mike Tomlin’s cautious approach to adding depth to the defense, especially after releasing Ja’Whaun Bentley and losing Jon Rhattigan to the Raiders. Simmons, with his experience and athleticism, could be an ideal short-term option to support T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig. The Steelers have not yet announced any contract decisions regarding the two linebackers. SOURCE: https://x.com/FarabaughFB/status/1976031373946388722