At the beginning of last week, the Cowboys were favored to win in New York. The Jets were winless, and the Cowboys needed to get back on track. The situation seemed perfect: Dallas would get an easy win served to them on a silver platter just when they needed it. By 6 p.m. last Sunday, that silver platter smacked the Cowboys in the face and clattered to the floor. This was a huge blow to the team’s aspirations. At 3-3, the Cowboys have proven they should not be considered a top team in the National Football Conference (NFC).
The final score: 24-22
Since 1991, NFL teams were 90-0 when they had more time of possession, more yards and won the turnover battle. After Dallas’ loss, these teams are now 90-1. There are some factors that really hampered the Cowboys during this game, and this undeniably contributed to the upset. Wide receiver Randall Cobb was held out because of back and hip issues. He attempted to warm up before the game, but ultimately he could not suit up. Offensive linemen La’el Collins and Tyron Smith were both unable to play this week, and Amari Cooper suffered a thigh contusion that ended his day minutes into the first quarter. With two starting tackles and two starting receivers out, Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott were tasked with carrying the offense and leading the team to victory. Elliott ran for 35 yards in the first half before he picked it up in the second, finishing with 104. Prescott threw for a total of 269 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The Cowboys did not get into the end-zone until midway through the third quarter. Slow starts have plagued this team all season, but there are no excuses for such an inferior team. The Jets rank in the bottom half of the league defensively and, aside from a couple of stars, do not have the personnel needed to compete with better teams. Elliott and Prescott failed to power the offense and should take partial responsibility for the unit’s performance. Elliott is currently averaging 4.3 yards per carry on the season, good for 20th amongst running backs. Prescott has fallen off pace and has thrown two touchdowns to four interceptions in the last three games. Yes, their performance should be expected to slide when you consider all the injuries the Cowboys have sustained on offense, but a good team has to accept those losses and find ways to win regardless of who is on the field. As of today, the Cowboys are not a good team. Someone who should also share a large portion of the blame for the team’s struggles is head coach Jason Garrett. He should be on the hot seat right now.
The defense was mediocre, an occurrence that is starting to become a theme this year. Sam Darnold threw for 338 yards and two touchdowns in his return from mononucleosis. He was sacked twice and intercepted once, but he also gashed the Cowboy secondary for a 92 yard touchdown in the second quarter. Darnold completed any pass he wanted to for the majority of the game. The Cowboys did a good job of containing running back Le’Veon Bell though, as they held him to 50 yards rushing and three yards per carry on the ground.
Next week, the Philadelphia Eagles come to Jerry World. The teams arrive to the matchup at 3-3—disappointing records for both squads. This game will decide who takes control of the NFC East, and both teams know how important that is. Simply put, the Cowboys should not be relied upon to win this game until they prove that they can beat competent opponents. The Eagles have struggled this season, but they managed to beat Green Bay at home and put away teams like the Redskins and Jets. Prescott and the Cowboys will put up a fight as they always do, but it will not be enough. Or, they will snap out of it and win. Who knows, this team is a complete wild card.
Philadelphia. 31-27 in Week 7
