FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys are faced with uncertainty regarding the possibility of Dak Prescott undergoing season-ending surgery for his torn hamstring. At this point, neither the team’s head coach nor its quarterback is under contract for the next season, leaving the organizational future in doubt.
Though aspirations for a fourth consecutive playoff appearance still linger, the odds are slim, especially if Prescott is unable to play again this season. With Prescott sidelined, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones is considering the fate of head coach Mike McCarthy while also grappling with the decision regarding who will serve as Prescott’s backup next year.
“My standard has always revolved around our level of performance,” Jones stated after the team’s rough 34-6 defeat to Philadelphia. “Are we showing competitiveness? Do we maintain an edge, even when we find ourselves behind? These elements are crucial.”
The Cowboys currently hold a 3-6 record, struggling significantly as they face an alarming four-game losing streak. The team, which had made it to the playoffs with a 12-5 record in each of the last three years, is now looking forward to an upcoming match against the Houston Texans (6-4), who are leading the AFC South.
Renowned former Cowboys coach Bill Parcells often emphasized that a team’s identity is reflected in its record, a sentiment that remains relevant today. Jones echoed that philosophy, saying, “While certainly the score is a defining characteristic, it’s only part of the bigger picture. What matters is that we need to secure victories; anything less feels like a loss.”
Cooper Rush had the chance to step in for the injured Prescott but struggled to maintain hope after a promising start two years ago. He only managed to throw for 45 yards and lost two fumbles during the game. Trey Lance, acquired from San Francisco in a trade last season, had a difficult showing as well, completing just 21 yards and throwing an interception during his return to the field.
McCarthy has so far refrained from discussing any potential external options for a quarterback, but he has acknowledged the urgency in bringing in a third quarterback to the roster. However, the team’s historical record of struggling with backup replacements raises concerns about their effect on performance.
In previous seasons, the Cowboys faced similar situations: when Tony Romo sustained a broken collarbone in 2015, the team lost all seven games until his return. After Prescott’s injury in 2020, they endured a streak of four consecutive losses as well. The list of attempted replacements is lengthy, including names like Matt Cassel and Brandon Weeden, as the team tried to maintain competitiveness.
The offense was already struggling before Prescott’s injury in a tight 27-21 loss to Atlanta. “We must improve our performance across the board,” Jones emphasized. “I doubt that the solution is outside our organization, but there’s a definitive need for better execution at all positions.”
On a positive note, Micah Parsons showed no signs of decline in performance after returning from a high ankle sprain. He recorded two sacks during the game, one of which forced a fumble. Despite his impressive presence, the Cowboys couldn’t capitalize on the momentum gained from his plays.
When discussing the game, Jones acknowledged Parsons’ impact but reiterated the reality that success cannot rest on the shoulders of a single player. In contrast, CeeDee Lamb pointed out a hindrance in the game—losing a crucial touchdown opportunity due to the glaring sun—however, efforts to address this issue will not materialize as Jones favors maintaining the stadium’s design.
Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown stood out, recording eight solo tackles and matching Parsons’ two sacks. Yet, running back Ezekiel Elliott faced setbacks as well, including a critical fumble in the end zone while the Cowboys were poised to regain the lead, leading to a disappointing performance with just 22 rushing yards.
Despite concerns earlier in the season, Overshown returned after recovering from a knee injury sustained during his rookie campaign. The team hopes for his continued health going forward.
As for the third quarter performance this season, the Cowboys have been significantly outscored, with a combined third-quarter score of 82-22 against them, the worst differential in the NFL, following closely behind Cleveland.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys find themselves in the midst of a challenging four-game stretch against teams with winning records. If they falter and finish the stretch without a victory, it could land Dallas in a favorable draft position, reminiscent of the time when they picked Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman first overall in 1989.