ARLINGTON, Texas – Just a few weeks ago, I stood right here in the same spot of the press box and applauded the Cowboys for their resiliency, grit and all-out effort in beating the Eagles in comeback fashion.
More than anything, they found a way to win in all three phases. We called it complementary football.
Well, sometimes that can come back to bite you.
Oh yeah, the Cowboys played complementary football Sunday night with the whole world watching. Problem was, all three phases failed to do their jobs.
The result? A 34-26 loss to the Vikings, who were supposed to be just as desperate as the Cowboys with a worse record and a much younger, inexperienced quarterback.
But leave it to this defense to lift young J.J. McCarthy to another level, just like they've done all year with the likes of Jacoby Brissett, Bryce Young, Russell Wilson, Caleb Williams and Bo Nix. These guys aren't considered the best in the NFL, but you wouldn't be able to tell by watching them play the Cowboys.
But then again, what's new? We've seen this all year long with the Cowboys defense. What we've also seen is them being carried by one of the best offenses in the NFL and a special teams that isn't so great as a unit but has individual players who are among the best at their positions.
And when I say that, of course, I'm referring to Brandon Aubrey, who showed that he's not always superman. But before we say this guy lost the game, don't forget that it wasn't too long ago when 50-yard field goal attempts were pretty much 50/50 kicks. You didn't really expect kickers to make them all the time, especially 59-yarders. And that's what Aubrey missed Sunday night, pushing two long kicks to the right.
On one hand, you can take the argument that they're still long kicks and not always easy to make. On the other hand, we all get judged by our history and reputation. Aubrey has been a lights-out kicker who has nailed those kicks, especially at home. Why wouldn't Brian Schottenheimer trust him to make it?
So while it's hard to fault Aubrey for missing them, those are kicks we expect him to make and he didn't. And how the game would've been different if you're not having to go for another fourth down because it's just a two-point game.
But again, let's take it back a step or two. No one ever kicks field goals on third down. Maybe that was the problem. Oh wait, it was the problem. The Cowboys were just 2-of-12 on third down and had to put Aubrey on the field way too much.
Hey, I'm fine with kicking field goals now and then, but six attempts is way too much, especially if you're going to miss a couple.
The Cowboys lost this game because they just couldn't extend drives. The Vikings played a brilliant brand of bend-but-don't-break defense, and it was clear they were way more prepared for the Dallas offense than the offense was prepared for the Vikings defense. We heard all about the blitzing and attacking Minnesota defense. It's not like the Cowboys weren't ready for it; it just didn't look like they were prepared for it.
Offense couldn't extend drives. Defense couldn't pressure McCarthy enough to rattle him. Defense also couldn't get a sack or enough turnovers. And special teams didn't give the Cowboys enough padding that we're used to seeing.
Add it all up and the Cowboys have now fallen below .500 once again.
No, technically they're not out of it. It just feels that way right now.
