FRISCO, Texas — In a recent game against the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy expressed frustration by slamming a tablet after a regrettable fourth-down call. The team’s struggles were evident as quarterback Dak Prescott experienced an unusual sensation that turned out to be a pulled hamstring. Meanwhile, All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb dealt with the pain of a right shoulder injury, having hit the ground hard on two separate occasions.
This latest loss, which brought the Cowboys’ record to 3-5, exacerbates an already problematic season as they prepare to take on four teams with winning records in their upcoming games. As the reigning NFC East champions, the Cowboys are set to face their division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, who currently boast a 6-2 record. With injuries creeping back into the picture, the 2023 season bears an unsettling resemblance to 2020, another tumultuous year for the franchise during McCarthy’s first season as head coach.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones spoke to players and staff following the defeat, attempting to inspire confidence that the team could turn their fortunes around. When asked about his message, he chose to keep it private but emphasized the necessity for improvement, indicating that without heightened performance, the team’s aspirations will be unattainable. Jones reiterated his support for McCarthy, highlighting his coaching work ethic and ability to motivate players.
The severity of Prescott’s pulled hamstring remains uncertain; he previously suffered a broken ankle in 2020, significantly affecting the team’s performance that season. On a more positive note, there is cautious optimism regarding Lamb’s status, given he managed to return to action despite apparent discomfort from his shoulder injury. However, the journey ahead is daunting for the Cowboys as they attempt to maintain their postseason streak, especially since they have already matched their loss total from each of the past three seasons.
“There’s always that one moment that can ignite the spark,” Prescott stated concerning the team’s future, focusing on the importance of building confidence moving forward. As for positives amid the turmoil, kicker Brandon Aubrey has emerged as one of their standout players. He set a record during his rookie season and recently made the second-longest field goal in NFL history at 65 yards, demonstrating consistent performance from beyond 50 yards.
The Cowboys have myriad issues requiring rectification, particularly the urgent need for the return of star pass rusher Micah Parsons and All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland. Lacking their presence, the team’s defense has struggled to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their secondary has been weak at times, and the loss of individuals like Bland, who made history last season with five interception returns for touchdowns, has compounded the challenges.
On a positive note, running back Rico Dowdle rose to the occasion in the game against the Falcons, dominating the offensive carries and producing a solid performance. His success casts doubts on the future of former star Ezekiel Elliott, who was temporarily sidelined for disciplinary reasons related to tardiness. Elliott rejoined the Cowboys after a stint in New England following his release in a cost-saving maneuver last year.
Conversely, communication issues within the team persist, hitting a new low when safety Trevon Diggs struggled with positioning, resulting in a long touchdown for Atlanta. The team’s inability to effectively execute plays, as evidenced by having 12 men on the field during a critical moment, raises concerns about their cohesion.
In addition to the injury worries surrounding Prescott, Lamb, Parsons, and Bland, the team is also hoping for the return of wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who has been sidelined by a knee issue. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and rookie player Marshawn Kneeland are set for extended absences due to their respective injuries.
A troubling statistic from the game highlights Prescott’s struggles; he recorded just 3.8 air yards per pass attempt, a significant drop that underscores the offense’s lack of trust in a young offensive line that has underperformed. The Cowboys find themselves in a precarious position with their playoff aspirations hanging by a thread, trailing both the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles by three games in the loss column. However, they remain hopeful as they still have two matchups each against both rivals, where turning the narrative could still be possible.