Week 6 was a wake-up call for Dallas Cowboys fans, as they witnessed a catastrophic 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. This defeat was not just another loss; it marked the worst first-half performance in both the stadium’s history and under owner Jerry Jones.
Dak’s Acknowledgment
Quarterback Dak Prescott found himself in the spotlight after the game, recognizing his subpar performance. Completing just 17 of 33 passes for 178 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions, Prescott admitted, “For sure. Yeah, simple as that. I’ve got to play better, better than I did and close to [perfect]. Especially when you’re playing a team like that.”
While Prescott’s willingness to accept blame is commendable, his struggles this season cannot be overlooked. The Cowboys lead the league in red-zone turnovers, with four already this year, a troubling statistic for a team hoping to contend for the Super Bowl.
Defensive Woes
However, Prescott isn’t the only one to blame. The Cowboys’ defense was severely undermanned, missing key players like Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland, and Marshawn Kneeland. The result? A staggering 47 points allowed, with the team giving up 167 points in their last four home games, the third-most in NFL history over such a span.
This defense has allowed 110 points in the first halves of their past four home games, dating back to last season’s playoff loss against the Packers. The lack of physicality and execution on both sides of the ball has been alarming.
McCarthy’s Job Security
In light of such an embarrassing performance, one might expect major changes. Yet, Jerry Jones stated after the game that Mike McCarthy’s job is safe for now. But with the Cowboys struggling and the Lions’ offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, emerging as a Coach of the Year candidate, how long will Jones maintain this stance?
Lions’ Dominance and Troll Tactics
Credit must be given to the Lions for their commanding performance. They executed their game plan effectively and even took the opportunity to poke fun at the Cowboys. On their final possession of the first half, Lions head coach Dan Campbell had offensive lineman Dan Skipper report as an eligible receiver—twice!
Some may see this as disrespectful, but it added to the Cowboys’ embarrassment, showcasing the Lions’ dominance on that day.
Moving Forward
As the Cowboys head into their bye week, they must regroup and reassess their approach. For Coach McCarthy, the pressure is mounting, and he may need to consider how to turn things around quickly. If the Cowboys hope to salvage this season, they need to address their issues and regain their competitive edge.
