The worst part about the Dallas Cowboys current situation

One truth stands out as the most deflating in the situation the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in this season.

There’s no hope in sight and this is all pointless. Forgive me if I end the tease and get to the point right away. Want to know why the 2020 Dallas Cowboys are more painful to watch than any team in recent history? This season is pointless.

Dak Prescott is on season-ending IR. He’s not going to heal up and swoop into town to save the day late in the season. This isn’t like Tony Romo’s collarbone situation(s) where Dallas just had to tread water until the hero could arrive. There is no hero in 2020. Treading water doesn’t accomplish a thing because there’s Dak’s not coming back.

For those of you who’ve been around a while, you’ll remember those 5-11 Dave Campo years. It’s hard to think of a more depressing time in Dallas Cowboys history than that span. But I’d argue this still trumps it on the pain scale.

Usually bad times can still serve a purpose. They test mettle and character. They lay the groundwork for the future. I’m not sure 2020 is doing any of that.

At least then the team worked hard. They weren’t very talented but they went down swinging every week. This 2020 team looks like they’re just going through the motions. They’re fighting below their weight class and losing horribly. If Dak’s injury didn’t spark them, if the dirty hit to Andy Dalton didn’t get in their craw, if the constant ridicule across the league doesn’t motivate them – -what will?

I’m seriously asking here.

This one's been over since halftime, but it's official now. Cowboys drop to 2-5 after basically no-showing at FedEx Field.

I think this is the lowest point I can remember in my 8 seasons. Because even that 2015 team scrapped until the end. This ain't that.
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) October 25, 2020

Observing my deflated mood and my sad gait as I emerged from the den after Sunday’s defeat, my wife asked why this season seemed so much more depressing than past disappointments. I kept going back to how I just don’t want to watch these guys play. With so many injuries and so many replacements, many of these players are just lucky to be on a team. Back in those Campo years the Cowboys were searching and developing. At least we saw guys who might figure into the future then.

Aside from Trevon Diggs and Neville Gallimore, which young and struggling player are we excited about developing? I can deal with the flashy play from those two because growing pains are necessary evils and we gotta endure the mistakes at some point – might as well be now.

But Cam Erving and Terence Steele? I don’t want to see them play. I suppose Steele could develop into a swing tackle someday but that’s not easy to get excited about. Andy Dalton and Ben DiNucci? Does anyone think they factor into the future? DiNucci maybe, but only as a future QB2 and even that is a statistical long-shot. And I’m not sure it’s doing his development any favors sticking him behind this offensive line anyway.

Antwaun Woods, Justin Hamilton, Tyrone Crawford, Joe Thomas, Daryl Worley, Everson Griffen, etc… none of them factor into 2021 and beyond. I don’t want to see them play bad football now if there’s no hope to be found in their future.