NY Giants-Cowboys Week 2 Referee Scouting Report

Let's take a look at the officiating crew assigned to the Giants-Cowboys Week 2 game.

Dec 14, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NFL referee Bill Vinovich (52) announces a replay review during the third quarter between the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

The "it's early argument does not work for the New York Giants. The consequences for putting up another stinker against a divisional opponent could be severe, so they must be singularly focused on the Dallas Cowboys.

However, one cannot help but pay attention to other factors, including the officiating crew.

Bill Vinovich will serve as the lead referee for Sunday afternoon's matchup, per Football Zebras. He has almost two decades worth of experience in the NFL, and like most in his profession.  

Vinovich only worked one Big Blue game last season, and it happened to be a rare New York win. He got the call for the infamous Week 17 game versus the Indianapolis Colts, which saw Drew Lock throw for 309 yards and four touchdowns against a team that had playoff aspirations at the time.

The Giants lost any hope of landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft with that win, reminding everyone just how unpredictably cruel this sport could be.

What is of more relevance now, though, is how that inter-conference battle was officiated. They may have come away with a 45-33 victory, but it was not exactly pretty.

New York accrued seven penalties for 94 yards against the Colts, according to NFL Penalties.com. Although only two of those were on the defense -- five on offense and none on special teams -- they made up for 63 of the penalty yards.

This was hardly the first time the squad struggled with on-field discipline last season. The Giants committed nine or more penalties six times and forfeited 90-plus yards four times.

A lack of talent is one thing, but giving the opposing squad free chances has been the most inexcusable trend in this agonizing era.

The NY Giants must tighten up

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. | Mark Smith-Imagn Images

While there are obviously many issues to still work out, as evidenced by a 21-6 loss to the Washington Commanders in the 2025 season opener, the Giants only accumulated 35 yards' worth of penalties last Sunday. If they are indeed improved in that crucial area, then it will be much easier to climb out of obscurity.

New York, if nothing else, must attain professionalism this year. Limiting flags is a huge part of that ongoing process. Head coach Brian Daboll must get his guys mentally prepared for the always lively atmosphere in AT&T Stadium.

Maintaining composure in this NFC East showdown, which will serve as the Cowboys' home opener, could be especially challenging. Desperation is bound to fill the air, with both teams under suffocating pressure to go into Week 3 with a win.

The Giants must rise above all the noise and be mindful of the little details. Otherwise, Vinovich and his officiating crew will be far more involved in the action than anyone wants.

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