The Dallas Cowboys snapped their five-game losing streak in dramatic fashion on Sunday, pulling off a thrilling 34-26 victory over the Washington Commanders. While the win brought some much-needed relief, it raises an important question: Does this result save head coach Mike McCarthy’s job?
A Season of Scrutiny
McCarthy has been under fire all season, and for good reason. Even before quarterback Dak Prescott’s season-ending injury, the Cowboys failed to capitalize on key opportunities, stumbling to a disappointing record.
Sunday’s victory offered a glimpse of what Dallas is capable of when playing balanced football. They dominated the turnover battle, scored two kick-return touchdowns, and saw running back Rico Dowdle tally 86 yards on the ground.
McCarthy’s Leadership in Question
Despite Sunday’s success, the spotlight remains on McCarthy’s leadership. His authority has been questioned throughout the year, and some of that stems from the offseason chaos orchestrated by team owner Jerry Jones.
Jones delayed extending Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, creating uncertainty that arguably affected their early-season performances. Additionally, McCarthy entered the year without an extension, which signaled Jones’ lack of full confidence in the veteran coach.
What the Win Means for McCarthy
Sunday’s victory may have quieted the calls for McCarthy’s immediate dismissal, but it’s unlikely to alter his long-term outlook. Jones made his stance clear when he didn’t extend McCarthy’s contract: anything short of a deep playoff run would spell the end of his tenure in Dallas.
Defeating Washington helps stabilize the Cowboys’ season, but it doesn’t guarantee McCarthy’s future. At best, it delays any potential midseason firing and buys him more time to prove he can turn things around.
The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, Jerry Jones remains the primary figure influencing the Cowboys’ trajectory. His decisions—and the uncertainty they create—continue to cast a shadow over the team.
For McCarthy, the win against Washington is a step in the right direction, but it may not be enough to change the inevitable. With the playoffs still a distant goal, McCarthy’s job remains on the line.
