After reviewing the game film, the Packers’ defensive coaches reportedly counted five separate instances where Parsons appeared to be held well beyond what is permissible — including two crucial plays in the fourth quarter where Dallas converted key third downs to extend drives.

LaFleur didn’t name specific referees, but he didn’t mince words when asked about the situation at Monday’s press conference.

“We all saw it,” LaFleur said. “You don’t have to be a coach or a player to see when someone’s jersey is being stretched like a bungee cord. It’s getting out of hand, and it has to be called consistently.”

The Packers’ head coach emphasized that his frustration wasn’t about a single missed call but rather a pattern that has emerged across multiple games this season.

“We respect the officials — it’s a tough job,” LaFleur added. “But when it becomes blatant and egregious, and it’s not getting flagged, it changes the outcome of drives, and that’s not right.”

The Micah Parsons Effect

To be fair, Micah Parsons often draws special attention from offensive lines — and from referees. His rare combination of speed, power, and hand technique forces blockers to hold simply to stay upright.

Since entering the league in 2021, Parsons has ranked among the NFL’s most frequently double-teamed defenders, and his presence routinely dictates protection schemes.

Against Green Bay, however, the Cowboys took things further. Right tackle Zach Tom and guard Elgton Jenkins rotated help assignments throughout the afternoon, often resorting to grabs and tugs to keep Parsons off quarterback Jordan Love.

Despite the constant contact, Parsons was still a force — recording two sacks, four pressures, and several hurries that disrupted timing in the Packers’ passing game. But for many in the Green Bay locker room, the stat sheet didn’t reflect how physically demanding (and unfair) his day truly was.

“I don’t know what more the guy has to do,” said linebacker Quay Walker. “He’s getting held on almost every rush, and they’re not calling it. It’s ridiculous.”

NFL’s Consistency Problem

The NFL has long faced criticism for the inconsistency of holding calls, especially on high-profile defenders. While some officials allow linemen more leeway in big matchups, the Packers believe that inconsistency is skewing competitive balance.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley addressed it bluntly:

“It’s not about special treatment for our guys — it’s about enforcing the rules. If a tackle’s got two hands wrapped around a rusher’s shoulder pads, that’s a hold on Tuesday, Sunday, or in the Super Bowl.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Parsons drew only one holding penalty in the Cowboys’ first six games, despite leading the league in total pressures. By comparison, star edge rushers like Myles Garrett and Nick Bosa have drawn multiple flags each week for similar contact.

That disparity, Packers players argue, highlights a perception problem — that officials hesitate to call holding on certain linemen for fear of over-influencing games.

League Reaction (or Lack Thereof)

As of Tuesday afternoon, neither the NFL officiating department nor the league’s competition committee had commented publicly on Green Bay’s concerns. Teams are allowed to submit plays for postgame review, and LaFleur confirmed the Packers plan to do so.

“We’re turning in a few clips, like we always do,” LaFleur said. “We just want clarity — that’s all. If what we’re seeing isn’t a hold, then tell us what is.”

The league rarely admits officiating mistakes publicly, but repeated internal submissions from multiple teams could spark further discussion during offseason rules meetings, particularly if star defenders continue to express frustration about how they’re being officiated.

Focus on the Next Game

For now, Green Bay insists it’s focused on its Week 7 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals, but the undercurrent of dissatisfaction remains.

Parsons himself chose to stay measured when asked about the alleged missed calls.

“It’s football,” Parsons said. “I can’t control what the refs see. I just keep playing through it.”

Still, teammates acknowledged how draining it can be for a player known for dominance to feel handcuffed by inconsistent officiating.

“Micah’s a professional — he’s not going to complain,” cornerback Jaire Alexander said. “But everyone in that locker room knows he’s fighting through a lot more than just offensive linemen.”

Final Word

The Packers’ frustration underscores a larger issue that extends beyond one team or one game — the fine line between aggressive blocking and outright holding, and how officials interpret it from play to play.

For Green Bay, the message is simple: they’re not asking for favors. They just want the same rulebook applied to everyone.

And if the NFL’s referees don’t tighten up soon, the conversation around “blatant and egregious” holds may only grow louder — especially when it involves one of the league’s most unstoppable defensive forces in Micah Parsons.