The Dallas Cowboys had high expectations following their bye week, with players and coaches lauding the intensity and focus during practices. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis described practice sessions as “fantastic,” and head coach Mike McCarthy praised the team’s dedication to adjusting and working together. Yet, despite their preparation, the Cowboys’ performance fell short as they lost 30-24 to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night. Here are five takeaways from the game:
#1. Division Hopes Fade
The Cowboys’ defeat in San Francisco deals a major blow to their NFC East race. With a chance to close in on division leaders, the loss instead drops Dallas to 3-4, placing them 2.5 games behind the Washington Commanders, who sit at 6-2. Playoff tiebreakers may become critical as the season progresses, and with a 1-3 record in the conference, Dallas faces an uphill battle. The team likely needs to win their five remaining division games to keep their playoff aspirations alive—a challenging task given recent form.
#2. Dak Prescott’s Turnover Woes
Quarterback Dak Prescott threw two interceptions for the third straight game, marking a troubling trend. In the first quarter, Prescott’s attempt to connect with KaVontae Turpin was intercepted by 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown. A second interception in the third quarter proved even more costly, as Deommodore Lenoir picked off Prescott’s underthrown pass intended for CeeDee Lamb, setting up a touchdown that gave San Francisco the lead. Prescott finished the night with 243 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, leaving Cowboys fans concerned about his decision-making in high-pressure moments.
#3. Running Game Shuffles and Struggles
Dallas’ running back rotation took an unexpected turn when starting RB Rico Dowdle fell ill before the game, leading to his absence. With Dowdle out, Ezekiel Elliott earned the start, while Dalvin Cook, elevated from the practice squad, served as his backup. Although Deuce Vaughn was activated, he remained on the sidelines in the first half. The Cowboys’ ground game struggled to gain momentum, with the running backs unable to match the production of 49ers QB Brock Purdy, who scrambled for nearly as many yards as Dallas’ backs combined.
#4. Defensive Breakdowns
The Cowboys defense, weakened by injuries to key players like Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland, struggled to contain the 49ers. George Kittle delivered a standout performance with six receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, San Francisco’s backup running back Isaac Guerendo filled the void left by injured starter Jordan Mason, rushing for 85 yards and a touchdown. The Cowboys’ pass rush faltered as Purdy enjoyed ample time in the pocket, allowing him to pick apart the secondary with little pressure. The defense’s lack of takeaways continues to be a pressing issue for the Cowboys.
#5. Bye Week Boost Falls Flat
Historically, the Cowboys have performed well after a bye week, boasting one of the league’s best records in such games. However, Sunday’s loss drops Dallas to 3-2 after the bye under McCarthy. Despite the additional time to prepare, the Cowboys’ performance faltered, with breakdowns on both sides of the ball. Dallas was previously tied with the Buffalo Bills for third in bye-week wins since 1990, but the latest loss diminishes their advantage in post-bye performances.
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys look toward the second half of the season, questions loom about their ability to compete in a tough NFC East division. With mounting turnover issues, an inconsistent run game, and a struggling defense, Dallas faces a difficult road ahead if they hope to keep their playoff dreams alive.
