Once again, the Dallas Cowboys' defensive woes were just too much to overcome. Despite being at home and facing a team on a five-game losing streak with a backup quarterback, they could never get their offense off the field.
The Cowboys fell to 3-5-1, but there's still some hope for this team if they're willing to make the necessary additions. And, according to a report by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the answer to their prayers may have fallen right into their laps.
The Dallas Cowboys Must Sign Asante Samuel Jr.
"Chargers FA CB Asante Samuel, who had a spinal fusion procedure this offseason, was fully cleared to return to the NFL by respected Drs. David Okonkwo and Nick Theodore in a letter agent Trevon Smith presented to NFL teams," Rapoport wrote on X. "Samuel becomes a top FA and fascinating addition."
The former second-round pick has 176 tackles and six interceptions in 50 career games (47 starts) for the Los Angeles Chargers, and now that he's been fully cleared to play, there's absolutely no reason why the Cowboys shouldn't be all over him right now, especially after Monday night's debacle.
Matt Eberflus' secondary allowed Jacoby Brissett to complete 21-of-31 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns. They had no answer for Marvin Harrison Jr., who torched DaRon Bland for seven catches on ten targets for 91 yards and one score.
The Cowboys are dealing with multiple injuries in the secondary. Alijah Clark and Donovan Wilson were already hurt before Markquese Bell suffered an injury of his own in the 27-17 loss. Add Trevon Diggs' uncertain future and injury woes to the mix, and things aren't promising.
Kaiir Elam has also left plenty to be desired since he arrived in Arlington, and while Bland can have a big game now and then, he's also been quite inconsistent this season. The Cowboys failed to address that issue at the trade deadline, so it's time they get to work with the best free agent available right now.
If rookie CB Shavon Revel Jr. can finally make his debut soon and live up to the expectations, the Cowboys could actually close out the season with a solid secondary, should they also sign Samuel.
After nine contests, Brian Schottenheimer's team is giving up the second-most total yards per game (414.8) and the third-most passing yards per game (254.4) in the entire league. That's not going to get it done for any team that plays in the same division as the reigning Super Bowl champions, and there's clearly a lot that needs to be fixed.