Following the Dallas Cowboys’ 47-9 home defeat to the Detroit Lions, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed unwavering support for head coach Mike McCarthy. Despite the humiliating loss, Jones dismissed any rumors of a coaching change, citing his confidence in McCarthy’s leadership as the team heads into their bye week.
Jones Stands Firm on McCarthy’s Job Security
Jones was clear in his postgame remarks: McCarthy’s job is not under threat.
- Jones rejected any comparison to the 2010 firing of Wade Phillips, emphasizing that he had no intention of making an in-season change.
- The Cowboys owner even grew irritated when pressed about the possibility of a coaching change, bluntly asking reporters, “Do you think I’m an idiot?”
Despite three consecutive 12-5 seasons under McCarthy, the Cowboys’ inability to make deep playoff runs has fueled speculation about his future. However, Jones reiterated that the entire team—not just the head coach—bears responsibility for the 3-3 start.
Injury Woes and Defensive Struggles Compound Cowboys’ Challenges
Injuries to key defensive players have taken a toll on the Cowboys, leaving them vulnerable against explosive offenses.
The absence of several key contributors, including Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, left Dallas shorthanded on defense. Without these playmakers, the Cowboys found it challenging to contain Detroit’s high-powered attack.
Player |
Injury |
Expected Impact |
---|---|---|
Micah Parsons |
High ankle sprain |
Misses key defensive assignments |
DeMarcus Lawrence |
Foot injury (IR) |
Limits pass rush |
Eric Kendricks |
Shoulder injury |
Weakens linebacking core |
DaRon Bland |
Foot injury (IR) |
Thins secondary coverage |
The injuries were particularly costly on Sunday as Detroit surged to a 27-6 halftime lead. With the defense struggling to make stops, the Cowboys faced an uphill battle all game long.
Prescott’s Red Zone Woes Continue to Haunt Cowboys
Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott has been plagued by turnovers in crucial moments this season, and Sunday was no different.
Prescott’s third red zone interception in two games ended the Cowboys’ second drive and set the tone for the remainder of the contest. The offense stalled after that turnover, with Dallas going three-and-out on consecutive drives. By the time the first half ended, the Cowboys were down 27-3, with little hope of a comeback.
Prescott acknowledged the frustration, stating, “I didn’t feel like there was another positive play after [the interception] for us to build off of.”
Lions Capitalize on Cowboys’ Sluggish Start, Hutchinson Injury Adds to Drama
While the Lions dominated the Cowboys, their victory was marred by a significant injury to star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
Hutchinson broke his tibia while sacking Prescott, colliding awkwardly with a teammate in the process. The Lions confirmed after the game that Hutchinson underwent immediate surgery in Dallas.
- Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence that the team could fill the void left by Hutchinson’s absence, though he acknowledged it as a personal and emotional loss for the locker room.
- David Montgomery, who scored twice for the Lions, emphasized the importance of rallying around Hutchinson, calling him the “heartbeat of the team.”
Despite losing Hutchinson, the Lions showed no mercy, extending their lead to 47-9 by the fourth quarter. The loss marked Dallas’ third straight home defeat, putting them at 3-3 heading into the bye week.
McCarthy and Prescott Look to Regroup During Bye Week
With two weeks to prepare for their next game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Cowboys will use the break to refocus and adjust.
Prescott voiced his unwavering support for McCarthy, stating, “I’ll go to war for that guy, with that guy every single day.” He emphasized the importance of staying united as a team despite the setbacks and praised McCarthy for delivering a strong postgame message in the locker room.
The Cowboys have little margin for error as they head into their Week 8 matchup against the 49ers, who have defeated Dallas in three straight meetings. A win could revitalize their season, but another loss might intensify questions about the team’s trajectory under McCarthy.