The Cowboys entered Atlanta desperate for a win, but the Falcons never really allowed it to get close, despite what the final score might suggest. Frustration was evident on Dallas’ sideline, particularly from Dak Prescott.
While he may have been referring to something else, the Cowboys’ slide to a 3-5 record in the manner they did likely sparked that kind of reaction.
To make matters worse, Prescott was injured late in the third quarter with a hamstring issue, CeeDee Lamb hurt his shoulder, and Ezekiel Elliott didn’t even make the trip. The Cowboys seemed to be falling apart, and the Falcons certainly helped push them over the edge.
It’s hard to imagine Jerry Jones allowing Mike McCarthy to keep his job after this loss. The Falcons aren’t exactly a dominant force, and the Cowboys looked far from competent for most of Sunday’s game.
Accountability should fall on McCarthy, Prescott, Mike Zimmer, Jerry Jones, and everyone involved, but it’s likely that Prescott will survive another coaching change.
Meanwhile, the Falcons improved to 6-3, marking their best start since 2016. With the Buccaneers falling to the Chiefs on Monday night, the NFC South title has never seemed more within reach.
As for the Braves, they’ve begun the offseason by cutting costs through trades, roster moves, and contract restructures. It’s clear they’re preparing to make some key moves, but a new concern has surfaced: setup man Joe Jiménez recently had knee surgery and is expected to miss between eight and twelve months. At best, he could return shortly after the 2025 All-Star break, though there’s a real chance he misses the entire season.
Since joining the Braves from the Tigers two offseasons ago, Jiménez has been one of the most dependable setup men in baseball, boasting a 2.81 ERA, 2.90 FIP, and 11.2 K/9 over 128 appearances. This is a major setback for Brian Snitker’s squad, especially given they just signed Jiménez to a three-year extension last offseason.
Pitching is essential for any team with World Series aspirations, and the Braves appeared well-positioned heading into the offseason. However, Jiménez’s injury changes their priorities. Losing both him and potentially A.J. Minter to free agency would be a significant blow to a bullpen that ranked among the league’s best last season. Replacing them won’t come cheap, and improving bullpen depth is now a top priority as free agency begins.
