After another early playoff exit for the Cowboys, it's sure to turn heads.
After a 48-32 loss to the Packers on Sunday, Dallas' season ended with a result that will never satisfy team owner Jerry Jones.
The Cowboys' 28-year Super Bowl drought continues, and the team's inability to advance past the divisional round of the playoffs is disappointing for a team that has won 12 games in three straight seasons but didn't have the hardware to prove it. , the eyes become dark again.
“This seems to be the most painful. [playoff loss] Because we all had high expectations and hope for this team,” Jones told reporters after the loss. “I thought we were aligned and in great shape, but it just didn't happen for us.”
Head coach Mike McCarthy finds himself still in the spotlight despite the team's regular-season success and even after taking over offensive play-calling this year, and Dak Prescott. led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes.
But McCarthy has never found a way to translate regular season success into the postseason.
Coach Jones said the loss was “frustrating,” but did little to calm down, saying after the game that he would not comment on player or coaching decisions.
“I know where the responsibility begins and ends. It's really clear and I know it,” Jones said.
He told the assembled media waiting to speak with Mr. McCarthy that he had “not thought for one second” about Mr. McCarthy's future. According to Michael Gerken of The Athletic:.
There are a number of established and even Super Bowl-winning coaching options available, including former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, and fired Titans coach Mike Vrabel. ing.
University of Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh also seems open to making the jump to the NFL.
If McCarthy is indeed fired, speculation surrounding the Cowboys and Belichick is likely to ramp up in the coming days.
The Cowboys head coach is 11-10 in the playoffs during his career, but has coached Dallas to just one win in four postseason games (a 34-14 win over the Buccaneers in last year's wild-card round).
Additionally, the embarrassing nature of the Cowboys' loss this year could weigh on the decision Jones makes regarding McCarthy's future.
The Cowboys were held to just seven points in the first half, and the touchdown came in the final seconds of the second quarter.
But McCarthy won't be solely judged for the playoff loss.
The conversation surrounding Prescott and his value to the Cowboys will very likely be influenced by his play Sunday and Dallas' futility in the playoffs.
The star QB is loved by Jones; The Cowboys owner also said: “I couldn't get the idea out of my head that he's not our quarterback,” he said before the game against the Packers.
However, Prescott has one year left on his contract, and reports last month suggested that Prescott and the Cowboys will negotiate an extension this offseason to make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. It is said that
Prescott completed 41 passes for over 400 yards and three touchdowns, but also had two passes intercepted, including a pick-six.
“We're going to work a lot today. I'm going to give a lot to everything we've done,” Jones said when asked how much his performance in the playoffs would influence his offseason decisions. , speaking in general terms. “I look at it in different ways.”
The Cowboys also have more than a dozen key free agents, including running back Tony Pollard, offensive tackle Tyron Smith, cornerback Stephon Gilmore and center Tyler Biadasz.
An early end to the season means interest in defensive coordinator Dan Quinn could increase as well, despite a lackluster showing Sunday.
Quinn's name is on many teams' wish lists after helping coach a defense to a top-five ranking in scoring and yards allowed.
There is also speculation that Quinn may be eyeing the head coaching position in Seattle. Ian Rapoport said on “The Pat McAfee Show” last week. Quinn is waiting for the job in Seattle and said he is a “strong candidate.”
