FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy downplayed the significance of last week’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, despite the team suffering a 30-24 defeat that raised eyebrows. After the game, cornerback Trevon Diggs emerged from the locker room still in his uniform, visibly upset as he engaged with a reporter about a negative comment posted on social media.
Quarterback Dak Prescott expressed the team’s frustration level as “very high,” yet he remained optimistic about the Cowboys’ ability to recover, noting that they currently sit at 3-4. As the defending champions of the NFC East, they now find themselves two games behind in their division.
The Cowboys have an immediate opportunity to showcase their determination, facing the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons (5-3) this Sunday. This contest is just the first of four straight matchups against opponents that hold winning records, including three division leaders.
This marks the first time since 2018 that the Cowboys have found themselves below .500 this late in the season with a healthy Prescott. That year, a midseason trade for receiver Amari Cooper sparked the team’s run to the division title and gave Prescott his first playoff victory. However, it’s unlikely that a trade will happen this time, as owner and general manager Jerry Jones has been fairly consistent in publicly supporting the current roster, even during times of frustration.
“We know what it takes in this league,” Prescott commented. “You get hot and you can get rolling and that’s all you’re looking to do. So that’s my point about this. It’s frustrating, but nobody’s giving up.”
In terms of positives, kicker Brandon Aubrey, who had a week filled with jury duty, remained composed and completed his duties at the Cowboys’ facility after court. He managed to convert a 29-yard field goal and succeeded on all three extra points. Nonetheless, his record streak of eight consecutive games with at least one field goal from 50 yards or more came to an end. He did have one setback that cost the Cowboys crucial field position, as one of his kickoffs fell short, allowing the 49ers to start at their own 40-yard line.
On the downside, the Cowboys’ run defense is in trouble again, currently tied for the last place in the league alongside the one-win Carolina Panthers after allowing 223 rushing yards against San Francisco. Compounded by their struggles in rushing offense, this poses a significant challenge for a team that has made the playoffs with 12 wins each of the last three seasons.
In individual performances, All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb finally hit the century mark for the first time this season, recording 146 yards and two touchdowns. However, he continued to experience some inconsistencies with Prescott, particularly during pivotal moments in the game. Lamb failed to react adequately to a leaping interception by 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, which proved crucial.
Unfortunately, safety Donovan Wilson was frequently targeted by tight end George Kittle, who recorded 128 yards and three receptions of at least 27 yards, leading to Wilson being briefly replaced in the second half.
Injury news includes cornerback Amani Oruwariye leaving the game with a back issue, while the team is also keeping a close eye on star pass rusher Micah Parsons, who has missed three games due to a high ankle sprain. His absence has significantly impacted the team’s ability to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
An alarming statistic looms over Prescott, who has thrown six interceptions in the last three games, becoming the first Dallas quarterback since Troy Aikman in 1992 to record two or more interceptions in three consecutive outings.
The upcoming match against Atlanta will be crucial for Prescott and the Cowboys. Back in 2018, a win against the Falcons after being 4-5 marked the start of a remarkable finish to the season, going 7-1. This time, however, the Cowboys must bounce back from another disappointing loss to rally their season forward.