Cooper Rush struggled to make accurate passes to open receivers while stepping in for injured quarterback Dak Prescott, and Ezekiel Elliott fumbled the ball into the end zone, which contributed to one of Dallas’ five turnovers. Owner Jerry Jones is frustrated as things continue to go wrong for the Cowboys this season.
The Cowboys (3-6) are still winless at home this year and have now lost four straight games. Their latest defeat was a 34-6 blowout by NFC East rival Philadelphia. Dallas only managed 146 total yards, their worst offensive showing at home since moving into AT&T Stadium 15 years ago.
“I’m just frustrated, like everybody else is,” Jones said. “But since I had a lot to do with what we’re seeing, then it’s the proper frustration, as far as I’m concerned, that we’re just not playing in a way, especially when you play a team that is the caliber of teams that we’re playing out here in Philadelphia, is a high-caliber team, and we’re not up to them. And that’s troubling.”
Prescott is out with a torn hamstring suffered the previous week during a loss to Atlanta. He plans to get another opinion before deciding if he will have season-ending surgery.
When asked if Prescott would undergo surgery, Jones said the quarterback’s situation was still being evaluated.
Rush had a 4-1 record filling in for Prescott two years ago, but against the Eagles (7-2), he only completed 13 of 23 passes for just 45 yards and lost two fumbles. Trey Lance also saw his first regular-season action for Dallas and threw an interception.
“Understand that, you know, our quarterback’s out. Things ain’t always going to be how you expect it,” said linebacker Micah Parsons, who returned after missing four games with an ankle injury. “It’s one of them years where, like I say, it’s challenging, but we’ve got to be the light for everybody.”
The Eagles were leading 7-3 when Jalen Hurts threw a pass that was intercepted by Trevon Diggs in the end zone. After a series of punts, Dallas had its longest drive of the game, going 77 yards, but Elliott fumbled on the 13th play, giving Philadelphia a chance to take control.
Parsons then sacked Hurts and forced a fumble that was recovered by Dallas at the Eagles’ 6-yard line. However, the Cowboys failed to take advantage of the opportunity and could only manage a field goal after a short drive. Philadelphia then answered with an 84-yard drive to end the first half, leading 14-6 at the break.
With Prescott expected to be out for several weeks, Jones said he didn’t want to get into hypotheticals but admitted, “Anybody that loses their top quarterback has some adjustments to make, and they’re usually adjusting uphill.”
Jones was also asked if Rush and Lance would remain the quarterbacks for the rest of the season.
“Well, we’re gonna have to play better than we’re playing right now,” Jones said. “I don’t know that there’s answers outside the organization, but we’re flat gonna have to play better at all positions than we played tonight. It’s good to have Parsons back.
I thought he gave us a lift there. And of course, he’s wonderful to have on the field. But you know, one player can’t get it done.”
Dallas has now lost five straight games at home, with this losing streak starting after a 48-32 home playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers on January 14. The Cowboys had previously won 16 straight home games over two seasons.
They were the only team besides New England since 2000 to have a home winning streak that long.
For the first time during their home losing streak, the Cowboys were trailing by fewer than 14 points at halftime. However, they’ve been behind by at least 22 points in each of the other four home losses.
This disappointing stretch also comes with head coach Mike McCarthy on an expiring contract. Jones said he doesn’t expect to make a coaching change during the season.
“Everybody’s got a hand in this,” Jones said. “I changed coaches in the season with Wade (Phillips), and have always regretted it, and as a matter of fact, I made a change with Chan Gailey after two years. I regretted that. That’s not enough. You need to give yourself a chance. I’ve had a lot more rope than that in my time.”
