Dak Prescott and Marcus Mariota are decent game managers, not franchise quarterbacks. It was amusing to hear Jason Witten say that Mariota must develop in his fourth year. Four years? Most White quarterbacks get four weeks before the howls to replace them begin.
The Cowboys are now almost certain to miss the playoffs again, given their 3-5 record and a tough schedule ahead. They need an upgrade at quarterback, but will that remain a taboo subject in Big D?
Also, as with the Raiders, Dallas's recently much ballyhooed offensive line has declined dramatically. Only one overachiever started tonight.
And yes, Sean Lee hurt one of his hamstrings yet again. Hall of Fame caliber player, but has the most fragile hamstrings ever, a real shame. At least Vander Esch is in the process of succeeding him.
The Cowboys are at a crossroad. What should have been a statement win at home turned into a disaster. For all the talk about WR Cooper as some savior the truth is he has been wildly inconsistent and not the upgrade the media figured on. I would label him a slight upgrade.
It is a tough time of the year to make wholesale changes but this team revolves around the leadership of LB Sean Lee and every time he gets injured ( which is too often now) the team falters. He is that important.
QB Prescott is a mediocre bore who made several horrible mistakes last night. He was the main reason they lost . That interception when they were getting ready to go up two touchdowns killed their momentum. I just don't see this team going anywhere with him at the helm. Which means the Cowboys will need to find a QB sooner rather than later.
The idea initially back when was to pound Elliot all day behind the OL but both the OL and even Elliot don't seem intimidating anymore. Prescott seems incapable of picking up the slack.
And even though he is a heck of a nice man the HC Jason Garrett will likely be let go at the end of the season if they don't turn things around. Without Lee to manage the defense that is unlikely. Very upsetting every time he gets injured. He plays defense the way it used to be played with quickness, sound tackling, anticipation and smarts. It is a lost art in today's NFL ( see Luke Kuechly).
As for LB Vander Esch the hallowed name of Brian Urlacher was brought up last night. Just gives you an idea of how damn good this young rising star has been playing. His potential is off the charts.
This team has three terrific defenders in Lee, Vander Eshe and S Jeff Heath to go along with a starting slot WR Cole Beasley. In other words a team to root for. Sadly things aren't working out yet again. The Cowboys can't seem to find that extra gear.