ARLINGTON, Texas — Before they even took the field on Sunday night, the Dallas Cowboys were officially out of playoff contention. However, they managed to secure a commendable 26-24 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are vying for a postseason spot. Having entered the game with questions surrounding head coach Mike McCarthy’s future and with a record of 7-8, the Cowboys showcased their resilience by winning four of their last five games, despite being without their star quarterback Dak Prescott due to injury.

“Absolutely proud of those guys. They fought hard out there and wouldn’t give in,” expressed team owner Jerry Jones. “Mike McCarthy keeps their spirits up, ensuring they believe they are still in the hunt for the Super Bowl. I couldn’t be prouder.” The Cowboys, who reached the playoffs for the past three seasons, faced an early exit this year with three games still remaining, marking the earliest they have been eliminated since 2015. They are scheduled to face the division-leading Philadelphia Eagles next week, followed by a regular-season finale at home against the Washington Commanders.

The Commanders’ nail-biting 36-33 victory over Philadelphia earlier in the day severed any remaining hopes for the Cowboys. The outcome followed a disappointing five-game losing streak, and despite a recent turnaround, the reality of being out of playoff contention resonated deeply with both Jones and McCarthy when they met before the game. “We both looked like we had lost someone important; it was hard to accept that we weren’t going to the playoffs,” recounted Jones.

“It definitely hit hard before the game, a real gut punch,” McCarthy added, reflecting on the emotional transition. “I took a moment to observe the guys warming up and interacting in the locker room. It felt much like a regular game-day experience. I think our players remained focused, and they did a fantastic job.” In his five years with the Cowboys, McCarthy has an overall record of 49-33 in regular-season games but has struggled in the playoffs with a 1-3 record.

While he praised the team’s performance and their dedication towards McCarthy, Jones did not delve into the specifics of the coach’s contract status or the absence of a new agreement moving forward. “All I can say is he’s doing a great job,” stated Jones. “I don’t have any comments regarding future plans or decisions until after the season concludes.” For now, the focus remains on the next two weeks ahead.