The 2024 Dallas Cowboys are currently sitting at 3-3, and the state of the team raises serious concerns. With the Philadelphia Eagles tied in the win column, the Cowboys have faced far more lows than highs this season, highlighting issues that stem from a stagnant offseason under head coach Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy’s comment about the ease of winning 12 regular-season games is now overshadowed by the worst loss in the Jerry Jones era—a staggering 47-9 defeat to the Detroit Lions. This loss marked a historic low, making McCarthy the first Cowboys head coach since Wade Phillips in 2010 to lose his first three home games. The team’s performance at AT&T Stadium, especially on Jones’s birthday, has been nothing short of embarrassing.
To make matters worse, the Cowboys have to win nine of their final 11 games to match last season’s win total. They face tough competition, including a San Francisco 49ers squad that has dominated Dallas in recent matchups. Adding insult to injury, Jones recently threatened local radio hosts over their questions about the Lions debacle, further heightening the frustration within Cowboys Nation.
Former Hall of Famers, such as Troy Aikman and DeMarcus Ware, have publicly criticized the team for their lack of effort and ineffective route running, underscoring the deep-rooted issues within the organization.
The Cowboys’ lack of offseason activity has left the roster thin, compounded by injuries that have only exacerbated their struggles. Historically, the Cowboys have been slow to react to trends around the league, and this year feels particularly dire with unexpected challenges surfacing at every turn. The current season has turned into an evaluation year for key franchise players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, rather than a competitive pursuit of success.
Several specific issues highlight the Cowboys’ struggles this season:
- Zack Martin’s Decline: Once a dominant force, Martin’s performance has dipped, most notably in the loss to Detroit. The offensive line is suffering from injuries and lack of consistency, impacting the entire offense’s ability to generate yards.
- Injuries to Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland: The anticipated strength of the Cowboys’ secondary has been hindered by injuries, limiting their ability to create turnovers. The lack of a formidable pass rush has further complicated matters, making it difficult for the secondary to capitalize on opportunities.
- Tyler Guyton’s Adjustment: The rookie tackle’s transition from right to left tackle has been rocky, mirroring the struggles of other recent first-round picks. His growing pains raise concerns about protecting Prescott effectively.
- Brandin Cooks’ Absence: Once a dynamic duo with CeeDee Lamb, Cooks has been sidelined, leaving the Cowboys without a reliable deep threat. This has placed undue pressure on Lamb and the rest of the receiving corps.
- Mike McCarthy’s Play Calling: McCarthy’s decision-making has come under fire, with criticisms of his offensive strategy and a lack of preparation evident in the team’s performance. The Cowboys are the third-worst team in the league regarding turnover differential, exacerbating their woes.
As the Cowboys navigate these challenges, the pressure on McCarthy and the coaching staff continues to mount. The upcoming bye week is a critical opportunity for reflection and change, but for now, the path forward remains uncertain. If these issues aren’t addressed, the Cowboys face the real possibility of a lost season.
