The Dallas Cowboys’ downward spiral continued in painful fashion on Monday Night Football, with an ill-conceived fake punt highlighting their struggles in a 34-10 loss to the Houston Texans.
Early in the first quarter, with the Cowboys trailing 7-0, head coach Mike McCarthy made a baffling call. Punter Bryan Anger attempted a fake punt pass that resembled a desperation heave more than an NFL play. The result? A turnover on downs, as Dallas came up five yards short of the marker.
Watching from the stands as he recovers from injury, Dak Prescott was visibly stunned. Cameras captured the star quarterback’s blank, almost disbelieving expression—a moment that perfectly encapsulated the Cowboys’ disastrous season.
A Comedy of Errors
The Cowboys were fortunate that the Texans’ next possession ended in a turnover, as C.J. Stroud threw an interception on fourth down. However, Houston still looked in control from the outset. Joe Mixon’s 45-yard touchdown run and an almost-77-yard scoring play from Nico Collins (called back due to a penalty) set the tone for a Texans team that dominated the matchup.
To make matters worse, Cooper Rush continued to struggle as Prescott’s replacement. Rush threw an interception on a miscommunication with his receiver, reminiscent of the issues from Dallas’ previous game against the Eagles. The Cowboys’ offensive woes persisted throughout the game, with little improvement in sight.
Dak’s reaction to the fake punt from the ESPN broadcast pic.twitter.com/XrwwmxqeIB
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) November 19, 2024
Fans and Critics Weigh In
Prescott’s reaction mirrored the frustration felt by Cowboys fans nationwide. The failed fake punt, combined with questionable play-calling and execution, underscored the team’s inability to compete at a high level. Critics were quick to label the Cowboys as one of the NFL’s most dysfunctional teams this season, with even the typically unflappable Prescott visibly affected.
What’s Next for Dallas?
At 3-7, Dallas is not just losing games—they’re doing so in ways that invite ridicule. The team’s inability to adapt without Prescott, coupled with baffling coaching decisions, has made them one of the league’s most disappointing stories in 2024.
With their playoff hopes all but extinguished, the Cowboys must now focus on damage control. Prescott’s eventual return may provide a spark, but unless significant changes are made, the team risks further embarrassment in the weeks to come.
