After yet another disappointing loss, the Dallas Cowboys’ season, which was once full of hope, now appears to be on the verge of disintegrating. After their crushing defeat to the Detroit Lions, Sunday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers was meant to be a chance for atonement and a chance to bounce back. However, the Cowboys were outpaced and outmatched by a squad they planned to compete with, so they ended up in familiar territory.
There was still some hope for the fans.Given that the postseason race is still very much open, Dallas’ 3-4 record does not necessarily portend total NFL calamity. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Cowboys haven’t shown they can handle the pressure when playing elite opponents, a problem that has dogged them throughout the season and prompted major concerns about the team’s leadership.
Dallas was rejuvenated and ready to make an impression when he returned from a bye week to play this game. However, the 49ers swiftly gained control by taking advantage of holes on both sides of the ball. San Francisco outscored Dallas 381-167 in total yards by the third quarter, leading by 17 points—a clear sign of the Cowboys’ incapacity to stay up with more formidable opponents. There was a glimmer of optimism in the fourth quarter as Dallas scored two touchdowns.
Even yet, the effort seemed pointless because the Cowboys’ attack was largely contained by San Francisco’s defense, which mostly used shell coverage. Despite without gaining a single yard, Dak Prescott’s attempt to design a game-winning drive ended suddenly in a four-and-out.
This season, the scene is growing too familiar. The New Orleans Saints crushed the Cowboys 44-19 back in Week 2. They played the Baltimore Ravens a week later, and just like Sunday’s game, they were ahead 28–6 before letting Dallas mount a brief comeback. Baltimore held on for the victory, exactly like the 49ers did, even though the Cowboys outscored the Ravens 19-0 in the last quarter.
The Cowboys’ victories this season have come against teams who are having trouble finding their own rhythm, which is concerning. While victories over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants offered some short-term relief, they did little to allay concerns about the team’s long-term future. Despite being essential, these victories haven’t demonstrated the tenacity or firepower required to be successful in the postseason.
The Cowboys’ schedule doesn’t provide much solace for the future. The combined record of their next four opponents—the Washington Commanders, Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Atlanta Falcons—is 22-9. Dallas will either win or lose these games, and head coach Mike McCarthy’s career might be terminated if there isn’t a total turnaround. The pressure on McCarthy is increasing. Although he has experienced some success with the Cowboys, his future in Dallas is clouded by his inability to win against elite teams. Owners may determine that a fresh strategy is required to steer the Cowboys ahead if they keep going in the same direction.
Is McCarthy’s tenure with Dallas really coming to an end?The writing is on the wall, even though no formal announcement has been made. The emphasis will be on whether McCarthy can spur a turnaround or if his tenure as head coach is already coming to an end as the Cowboys confront a difficult stretch.
