Cowboys' Season is Officially Over Following Week 9 Catastrophe

The 2024 season has been one to forget for the Dallas Cowboys. They started the season 1-2, dropping two straight games at home to the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens.

However, the Cowboys started to gain momentum in Weeks 4 and 5, taking down the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers on the road. But since that Week 5 win, things have gone south for the Cowboys, as they are staring at a three-game losing streak.

Heading into Sunday’s road game against the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas had the eighth-toughest remaining strength of schedule, according to Tankathon. With that in mind, one would think the Cowboys would play with a sense of urgency.

That didn’t happen as the Cowboys came up just short against the Falcons, losing 27-21 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Dallas’ defense didn’t have an answer for Kirk Cousins and the Falcons’, who recorded 310 yards of total offense. Cowboys star cornerback Trevon Diggs struggled in pass coverage as he was confused on a fourth-down play, which saw Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney get wide open for a touchdown.

The Falcons also made it a point of emphasis to attack Dallas rookie Caelen Carson early and often. Cowboys fans weren’t happy with the rookie cornerback’s performance, who had a 112.2 pass rating allowed when targeted coming into Sunday’s game.

On top of the Cowboys’ defensive woes, the offense wasn’t much better. There were a couple of puzzling play calls from head coach Mike McCarthy such as dialing up an end around to star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb on a fourth down and 1, which didn’t surprise the Falcons.

Then in the second half, the Cowboys decided to go for a fake punt at midfield. To no one’s surprise that play blew up in their face. Anytime a team is leaning on trick plays, you know that they aren’t in the best of shape.

The Cowboys also saw star quarterback Dak Prescott leave in the second half because of a hamstring injury. 

Before exiting the game, the veteran quarterback completed 18-of-24 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. Prescott also had 30 rushing yards and was sacked three times. The veteran QB was seen visibly limping after the game, which is never a good sign.

With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the Cowboys aren’t in the position to be buyers with a 3-5 record. If the Cowboys won today’s game against the Falcons, then the entire vibe around the team is different.

However, this Dallas team hasn’t been able to find the groove they had last season en route to winning the NFC East. 

Now could things change next week against the Philadelphia Eagles? Yes, without a doubt. But after losing three straight games to the Lions, 49ers, and now Falcons, it’s time to wonder if the season is officially over.

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