The Dallas Cowboys’ season has entered a critical phase, marked by mounting losses and an inconsistent performance on both sides of the ball. With Sunday’s 34-6 blowout against the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas is now riding a four-game losing streak, its worst stretch in recent years. The Cowboys are preparing for a Monday night showdown against the 6-3 Houston Texans, yet find themselves listed as home underdogs—a testament to just how much confidence has slipped in Dallas as playoff hopes grow faint.
Defensive Efforts Fall Short
The anticipated return of Micah Parsons was meant to ignite a Cowboys defense that has been the backbone of the team’s competitiveness. Alongside standout linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, Parsons made his presence felt early, limiting the Eagles to a modest first-half score. However, the defense’s inability to sustain pressure on Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts exposed gaps in the Cowboys’ secondary, making it easier for Philadelphia to execute big plays in the second half. It’s worth noting that the Eagles game marked the third instance this season where Dallas allowed 30 or more points at home, a stark reversal from their historically stout home-field performance.
For this defense, the main challenge isn’t talent—it’s consistency. Parsons and Overshown have shown brilliance individually, but the team lacks cohesion, especially in high-pressure situations where they struggle to contain dynamic offenses. Against the Texans, they face another tough test, particularly with rookie quarterback sensation C.J. Stroud, who has a knack for dissecting defenses and minimizing errors. The Cowboys will need a unified defensive effort to pressure Stroud early and throw him off his rhythm if they want any chance to reverse the trend.
Cooper Rush’s Struggles Expose Offensive Vulnerabilities
With Dak Prescott sidelined, the Cowboys’ offense is noticeably hampered by Cooper Rush’s limitations. Known for a conservative play style, Rush has traditionally played the role of game manager. However, the offense has been anemic under his leadership, struggling to establish a rhythm, let alone the explosive plays that have defined Dallas at its best. Rush completed just 13 of 23 passes against the Eagles for a mere 45 yards—a performance that ties him with some of the worst outings in recent memory for a Cowboys quarterback.
Even with running back Ezekiel Elliott showing flashes of his old self, the offense was plagued by costly turnovers and missed opportunities, including a crucial fumble at the goal line. Without Prescott’s leadership, the Cowboys’ passing game has become predictable, enabling defenses to stack the box and shut down their ground game. As a result, CeeDee Lamb and the receiving corps are seeing fewer opportunities to impact the game, rendering the offense one-dimensional.
For the Cowboys to have any offensive success against the Texans, they’ll need to tap into Rush’s strengths. Look for McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to script shorter, quicker passes that cater to Rush’s style, creating opportunities for players like Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson to contribute. But they’ll have to execute without mistakes—another fumble-prone outing could put them out of reach early against a Texans defense that’s opportunistic with takeaways.
Coaching in the Hot Seat: Is McCarthy’s Job in Jeopardy?
After four consecutive losses and a record that falls well below expectations, questions surrounding Mike McCarthy’s future are now inevitable. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has reiterated his intention not to fire head coaches midseason, but the lack of resilience from this team reflects poorly on McCarthy’s leadership. While injuries have certainly played a role in the Cowboys’ slide, McCarthy’s in-game decisions and inability to rally the team through adversity have done little to inspire confidence.
McCarthy’s strategy against Houston could be career-defining. This is a make-or-break game; another home loss would be demoralizing and could signal an irreversible slide. His handling of personnel, especially the choice to stick with Rush over exploring Trey Lance’s potential, will be closely scrutinized. If the team shows further signs of disarray, it would not be surprising to see Dallas consider major changes at the top, as they weigh the benefits of starting fresh with a new head coach and possibly even a shake-up in the front office.
What Needs to Change for a Monday Night Turnaround?
The Cowboys face an uphill battle against the Texans, who are emerging as a playoff-caliber team behind a young, dynamic quarterback and a balanced offense. Dallas will need to execute flawlessly on both sides of the ball to have a chance at an upset. Here’s what needs to change:
Establish Early Offensive Rhythm: Instead of relying on deep shots, the Cowboys should focus on getting into manageable third-down situations. A mix of runs and short passes could allow Rush to build confidence and keep the Texans’ defense on its heels.
Minimize Turnovers: With five turnovers against Philadelphia, Dallas handed the game over before they could find any momentum. McCarthy needs to drill ball security and situational awareness into his players. Protecting the ball is essential, as turnovers have been the Achilles‘ heel for Dallas all season.
Pressure on C.J. Stroud: Stroud has shown impressive composure for a rookie, but sustained pressure could force him into mistakes. The Cowboys’ front seven will need to dial up creative blitz packages to disrupt Stroud’s timing and limit his ability to read the field.
Creative Play Calling: McCarthy and Schottenheimer need to innovate. The Cowboys have fallen into predictable patterns, which won’t work against a Texans defense that’s quick to adapt. This is the game for reverses, trick plays, and misdirection if they want to keep Houston on their toes.
Betting on the Cowboys: Can They Cover?
The early betting line lists the Cowboys as underdogs, even at home, and it’s easy to see why. This team has struggled to generate any real momentum, and the Texans are a confident, young squad eager to prove themselves. Unless Dallas can correct its offensive woes and tighten up defensively, they’ll likely struggle to keep this one close. While the Cowboys could cover the spread, bettors would need to see a tangible commitment to addressing their weaknesses before confidently backing Dallas.
