The Dallas Cowboys suffered an embarrassing 31-6 home loss to the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs on Sunday. The defeat has put head coach Mike McCarthy’s job in serious jeopardy.
McCarthy’s Future Uncertain After Latest Playoff Failure
The Cowboys have not reached the NFC Championship game since 1996 and have advanced past the divisional round only once since then. Jerry Jones declined to comment on McCarthy’s status after the game, saying he was “very, very frustrated” and needed time to process the loss. However, Jones has shown a willingness to make coaching changes after disappointing playoff exits.
McCarthy is just 2-3 in the postseason with Dallas. According to reports, there is a “good chance” the team makes another change. McCarthy’s regular-season record through three years is 33-18.
Calls Growing For Jones to Pursue Belichick
With McCarthy potentially out, attention has shifted to the Cowboys pursuing Bill Belichick as their next head coach. Jones has long been an admirer of Belichick and tried to hire him in 1989 before settling on Jimmy Johnson.
Belichick is currently a coaching free agent after leaving New England last offseason. At 71 years old, he would represent a short-term option, but likely Dallas’ best chance to win another Super Bowl with its current core.
| Potential Belichick Compensation |
|---|
| Multiple high draft picks |
| Key young players |
| Lucrative contract |
Jones has not been shy about paying top dollar for coaches in the past. With quarterback Dak Prescott already supporting the current staff, Jones will have pressure to make the right move for both the short and long-term outlook.
Offense Sputters as Cowboys Deliver Dud
The Cowboys offense was completely shut down on Sunday, turning the ball over four times en route to just six points. It was the first time Dallas did not reach the end zone in a home playoff game in franchise history.
Quarterback Dak Prescott threw two interceptions and had a QBR of just 18.5. The running game was also non-existent, with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard combining for just 60 yards. Receivers CeeDee Lamb and Dalton Schultz both lost fumbles after catches.
Overall, it was a comedy of errors that stunned the home crowd. Prescott put it simply, “It’s sickening.”
| Cowboys Offensive Stats | |
|---|---|
| Total Yards | 207 |
| Turnovers | 4 |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 4/15 |
| Dak Prescott QBR | 18.5 |
Defense Overmatched Against Rodgers, Packers
The Cowboys defense was not much better, giving up four touchdowns and 353 yards to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offense. Running back Aaron Jones gashed Dallas for 138 total yards.
Rodgers threw for 224 yards and two scores, while backup running back AJ Dillon added two more rushing touchdowns. With the offense turning it over repeatedly, the Cowboys defense had no answers and slowly deteriorated throughout the game.
The Packers had 32 first downs compared to just 10 for Dallas and possessed the ball for over 36 minutes. It allowed Green Bay to dominate time of possession and grind out long scoring drives.
| Packers Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Aaron Jones | 138 total yards |
| Aaron Rodgers | 224 passing yards, 2 TD |
| AJ Dillon | 2 rushing TD |
| Time of Possession | 36:43 |
What’s Next For Cowboys
The Cowboys will now enter an offseason filled with questions. Jones must decide if McCarthy returns after failing to advance in the playoffs once again. With Prescott’s support, McCarthy stated he expects to be back but acknowledged no assurances were given.
If a change is made, pursuing Belichick will be the storyline to watch. Jones has one last chance to pair a legendary coach with a championship-caliber roster. However, the costs in both draft capital and contract size could be massive.
Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is also expected to get head coaching interviews after another impressive year leading the Dallas defense. Further turnover within the staff is likely even if McCarthy returns.
With roster aging in areas, Jones and the front office have critical decisions ahead. After Sunday’s nightmare, the entire organization enters the offseason under the microscope and with pressure to ensure this season does not become the new norm. For the Cowboys and their passionate fanbase, early playoff exits no longer suffice.
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