Formally, the Dallas Cowboys ’ season shouldn’t be over. Not even with a 3-9 file following Tuesday’s 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
However in actuality, it’s over. And perhaps it has been over for weeks now. Possibly it ended when the Cowboys misplaced Dak Prescott for the season in October.
The Cowboys continued to hold on the notion that something was doable contemplating the lackluster play of the NFC East; that every part was nonetheless in entrance of them; that they only wanted to place all of it collectively.
They will proceed to say that if they need — they’re simply two video games out of first place – however it should ring hole. It is a dangerous staff that does dangerous issues and shall be taking a look at a top-five decide in subsequent spring’s draft.
The Cowboys have misplaced six of their final seven video games and are assured of their first shedding file since 2015. In his final 40 video games, Mike McCarthy’s groups have a 14-25-1 file.
After a 12-day break due to the Ravens’ COVID-19 outbreak, the Cowboys’ protection appeared like a unit that had not practiced in any respect. How else to clarify giving up three rushes of at the very least 30 yards within the first half? The Cowboys allowed greater than 200 yards on the bottom for the fourth time this season, probably the most within the NFL. There have been 24 different 200-yard speeding video games allowed this season.
It wasn’t as dangerous as permitting a franchise-record 307 yards speeding to the Cleveland Browns in Week 4, nevertheless it was shut. Baltimore completed with 294 yards on the bottom, led by Gus Edwards’ 101 yards. He wanted simply seven carries. Lamar Jackson had 94 yards on 13 carries. J.Okay. Dobbins had 71 yards on 11 carries.
Alas, it isn’t as dangerous as 2000 when the Cowboys had 5 video games they allowed at the very least 200 yards speeding. However they do have 4 video games left.
The Cowboys’ offense was purposeful, however nonetheless not explosive. The struggles within the crimson zone continued (2-of-4). Andy Dalton was sacked simply as soon as however he didn’t have a completion of greater than 19 yards till the ultimate minute of the sport. He was additionally intercepted within the second quarter, which the Ravens was a one-play landing drive. If that sounds acquainted, it’s as a result of the Cowboys have been outscored, 120-28, in factors off turnovers. Their minus-92 level margin is probably the most within the league.
Some marvel if the Cowboys ought to tank the remainder of their video games. How would anyone know in the event that they have been?
Largest gap within the recreation plan: This won’t be the most important gap in a recreation that was such a catastrophe, however why didn’t Ezekiel Elliott get the ball extra? He had extra yards within the first quarter than he had in your entire Thanksgiving loss to Washington. Within the third quarter he opened the collection with runs of 14 and three yards and was pulled in favor of Tony Pollard. Whereas Pollard has finished a pleasant job of becoming in at occasions for Elliott, Tuesday was not a type of nights. Elliott was decisive in his runs and was in a position to break some tackles.
Troubling pattern: Greg Zuerlein entered Tuesday having made eight straight discipline targets and he hit a 31-yarder within the first quarter. He missed a 40-yarder within the second quarter (after a delay of recreation penalty), a 53-yarder within the third quarter and a 52-yarder within the fourth quarter. He entered the sport with three misses on the season. As soon as often called “Greg the Leg,” Zuerlein is 1-of-6 on discipline purpose makes an attempt of fifty yards or extra this season. His 5 misses from 50-plus are tied for probably the most within the NFL. When a staff has no margin for error, the kicker simply can’t miss.
