The recent game against the Lions will stick with the Cowboys for a while. They had several critical mistakes that led to their 44-30 loss. Tight end Jake Ferguson fumbled, wide receiver George Pickens contributed to an interception by Dak Prescott, and rookie cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. struggled to defend against a quick Lions touchdown.
It was a tough moment when star receiver CeeDee Lamb left for a concussion evaluation early in the second half. Despite a few bursts of scoring that showed some fight, it just wasn’t enough to pull off a comeback. Unfortunately for Dallas, this defeat pushed their playoff hopes down to about 9%, according to a simulator by The Athletic.
The Cowboys went from impressive victories over last season’s Super Bowl teams to a tough reality check just a week later. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus had spent summer putting together a scheme to highlight star rusher Micah Parsons. But that plan fell apart when Parsons was traded to Green Bay early in the season. A couple of months later, with outdated strategies, he had to adjust again after acquiring linebacker Logan Wilson and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.
The ups and downs of this season reflect a series of hasty choices made by Dallas management. Compounding the situation, the 40-40 tie with the Packers in September looms large, as it played a key role in putting them in a difficult playoff position.
If the Cowboys can win their last four games against the Vikings, Chargers, Commanders, and Giants, they would finish at 10-6-1. However, that might not be enough, given how competitive the NFC is this year. The 49ers currently hold the seventh playoff spot with a 9-4 record and are positioned to stay steady in the coming weeks.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has faced various challenges in his first season but has shown resilience in preparing his team. While the future has potential—especially with Eberflus’s defense improving—the shadow of the Parsons trade looms large. His presence could have transformed the season for the Cowboys, making them more competitive.
Now, as the Cowboys enter the final stretch, the missteps in Detroit will serve as a tough reminder of what could have been. The offseason will bring a chance to strategize and lock in the core strengths needed for a stronger push next year.
