The Dallas Cowboys’ season is spiraling downward after a tough 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, marking their third consecutive defeat. With a 3-5 record, they have already matched the number of losses from the previous two seasons. The team’s struggles suggest that this year is unlikely to end the franchise’s long drought without a Super Bowl appearance, which now stands at 29 seasons. The sense of urgency is growing, as every loss pushes them closer to a bleak outcome.
Quarterback Dak Prescott remains hopeful, insisting that a single win could turn things around and restore the team’s confidence. However, his statement may be a plea for help as the Cowboys continue to struggle. As the losses mount, the team’s confidence is eroding, and the pressure is mounting on both players and coaches. All-Pro right guard Zack Martin emphasized the need to get back to work and regain confidence if the Cowboys are to salvage their season.
The Cowboys’ season has been marked by distractions off the field as well. Veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott was deactivated for missing team meetings, while cornerback Trevon Diggs recently lashed out at a local reporter after a loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Meanwhile, owner Jerry Jones publicly criticized his radio show hosts for their tough questions following a humiliating 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions on his 82nd birthday. These incidents only add to the drama surrounding the team, compounding the pressure they are facing.
On the field, the Cowboys’ problems have been evident in their sloppy play. Their defense, which was expected to be a strength, struggled to contain the Falcons, despite holding their running game to just 3.3 yards per carry. Their pass defense allowed Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins to throw three touchdowns, including wide-open passes to receivers. The offense also faltered, with costly mistakes such as lining up with only 10 players on one play, and struggling on third and fourth downs, converting just 3-of-13 and 1-of-5, respectively.
Penalties have also been a recurring issue, with the Cowboys committing nine penalties in the game, including pre-snap infractions like false starts and delays of the game. Martin acknowledged that the Cowboys are beating themselves, noting that the margin for error is slim in the competitive NFL. He highlighted the importance of fixing these issues to avoid further damage to their already shaky season.
Despite the bleak outlook, there’s still a sliver of hope for the Cowboys, as owner Jerry Jones pointed to the potential for a turnaround, recalling the 2018 season when the team started 3-5 but rebounded with five straight wins. However, many remain skeptical, as Jones has made similar promises in the past but failed to follow through, especially in terms of roster moves. With important upcoming games against divisional rivals like the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders, the Cowboys’ season could get even worse if they fail to make a quick recovery.
