Giants TE Daniel Bellinger calls out referees for missed facemask call against Cowboys
Daniel Bellinger and the New York Giants lost 20-15 to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football. The 24-year-old tight end has voiced concern about one of the calls that went against the Giants.
Bellinger was flagged for grabbing the facemask of Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, but the replays showed that the Giants tight end's facemask was grabbed by Overshown. As per NBC's Pro Football Talk, Bellinger said he asked the officials about the decision but did not get any answer. He said:
“I tried to ask an explanation. I didn’t get any,” Bellinger said. “I just saw the video, he grabbed my facemask. But it’s up to them, it’s their call. Hopefully they get it right.”
The NFL does not allow head coaches to challenge facemasking calls, and the officials' decision against Bellinger was costly for the Giants. New York is 1-3 after Week 4 and had it won against the Cowboys, it would have been in a favorable place for the rest of the season.
Nobody knows if the Giants would have won the game if the officials hadn't made a mistake on the facemask call against Bellinger, but head coaches should have the right to challenge such calls, as such mistakes can end any team's season.
Daniel Bellinger and the Giants have a challenging set of fixtures ahead
The New York Giants have a tough set of fixtures before they have a bye in Week 10. They are set to face these teams:
- Week 5: @ Seattle Seahawks
- Week 6: vs Cincinnati Bengals
- Week 7: vs Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 8: vs Washington Commanders
- Week 9: vs Carolina Panthers
The Giants will play the game against the Panthers in Munich, Germany, and none of the fixtures above guarantee a win. By Week 10, things could turn very ugly for Daniel Jones and head coach Brian Daboll, and if they don't start playing well, the franchise might be forced to make some tough decisions.
Daniel Bellinger was not thrown the ball once during the loss to the Cowboys. For the season, he has two receptions for 20 yards on two targets. The Giants need to involve both Bellinger and rookie tight end Theo Johnson a lot more on offense, as the teams will eventually start to double and triple-team Malik Nabers.
Nabers also suffered a concussion during the game against the Cowboys, and his status for next week's game against the Seahawks will be in the air.