ATLANTA — As the Dallas Cowboys looked to close a four-point gap early in the second half, they made a fateful decision to attempt a fake punt from their own 38-yard line, which ultimately backfired. This bold move shifted the momentum and trajectory of the game, as the Atlanta Falcons capitalized on the opportunity granted by the Cowboys’ mistake.
Just a few minutes later, the Falcons quickly moved the ball into scoring position, resulting in one of Kirk Cousins’ three touchdown passes, which saw Dallas fallback by two scores during their 27-21 loss. The defeat raised significant doubts about the Cowboys’ ability to reverse their season’s fortunes. With a record of 3-5, Dallas faced its first three-game losing streak since a four-game skid in 2020. Adding to their troubles, running back Ezekiel Elliott was absent from the game, and both quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver DeeDee Lamb exited due to injuries.
The Cowboys also suffered from discipline issues, culminating in nine penalties for 55 yards, escalating head coach Mike McCarthy’s frustrations. “We need to win a game,” he expressed, acknowledging the team’s current struggles. “While I understand the long-term discussions, the reality is we have five losses, and that places us in dire straits. We must focus on winning, as we are causing our own setbacks, including unacceptable pre-snap penalties.”
The failed fake punt was a critical moment that can be categorized as a self-inflicted error, as punter Bryan Anger’s pass was thwarted when C.J. Godwin slipped on the attempted fourth-and-2 conversion. The risky call was particularly unexpected, given the close nature of the match, with the Falcons leading 14-10 at the time. McCarthy noted, “We felt strongly about that fake punt heading into the game. That’s the moment they gained a two-score lead.”
Regarding Elliott’s absence, McCarthy stated it was a matter of team discipline, confirming that the decision had been made collectively. “We’ll regroup on Monday and assess the situation,” he added.
Prescott voiced his concern for Elliott, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie during challenging times. “This is a tough situation for me, personally, considering our close relationship,” he shared. “I believe it can ultimately be positive. It was a mutual decision for him not to travel, and he’s focusing on getting himself right. We want to support him and be the teammates and brothers we are, believing that good will come from this.”
Prescott is also focusing on gathering information regarding the hamstring injury that sidelined him in the fourth quarter. He described feeling a pull unlike anything he experienced before and has scheduled an MRI for Monday to assess the extent of the injury. “Walking was tough, knowing how much we needed this win. I wanted to be out there competing and fighting for the team,” he said.
Despite the setback, Prescott is determined, stating, “It’ll take a lot for me to sit out next Sunday when we face Philadelphia at home.” Meanwhile, Lamb, who left the game with a right shoulder injury, managed to return for the closing moments of the matchup.