The Dallas Cowboys' 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals was disheartening in a number of ways, with none more alarming than the punishment Dak Prescott was forced to absorb. Not only was the quarterback sacked five times, there were numerous hits that left the signal caller shaken up in front of an offensive line that wasn't getting the job done.
Arizona bullied Dallas in the trenches from the first snap of the game and simply never let up. This resulted in Dak being put in harm's way, something that the head coach didn't hesitate to call out.
The Athletic's Jon Machota reported that head coach Brian Schottenheimer made it clear that the quarterback absorbed far too many hits. This is hardly a difficult take and it is one any Cowboys fan reached watching the first half. Dallas had little consistency in their protection and failed to make any clear adjustments. The Cowboys were beaten soundly on the edges and Arizona registered enough interior pressure that left Prescott with no option but to take punishment. It demands that a frustrated coaching staff must find answers to protect their signal caller, with the season quickly tilting sideways.
Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott Clearly Absorbed Far Too Much Punishment in Week 9 Upset
Schottenheimer opting to call out his offensive line is exactly what needed to be done after this game. Prescott has already suffered two serious injuries throughout his career and isn't as mobile as he once was. These types of games are a risk to his health and put Dallas in a familiar position. Fans have watched what this offense looks like without Prescott at the helm and understand how quickly things can fall in the wrong direction.
Cooper Rush spent a large portion of the 2024 season as the starting option, giving the franchise full appreciation for the value of having their starter in the lineup no matter the record. With this in mind, there was no other move but to call out a position group that isn't getting the job done. There simply is no excuse for this level of performance.
While the Cardinals do have solid pass-rushing options, they shouldn't be dominating in the trenches at this level. Making matters worse is the fact that it was obvious things that were going sideways, and there were zero clear adjustments or moves to help keep the quarterback upright.
This is where it would benefit Precott to have a bit of Tom Brady in him, being willing to pitch a sideline fit and call out a unit that is putting him in a dangerous position. However, it is at least helpful that the head coach was willing to put himself in this role even if it were in diplomatic fashion.
There is no excuse or reason for this lack of protection in a game that appears to have shattered hopes of contention. For a roster whose path to relevance is quickly closing in a crowded NFC playoff picture, nothing will be fixed until the Cowboys address the offensive line.