Just when it seemed the doors were opening for the Dallas Cowboys to become surprise contenders, Sunday's disheartening loss happened. Getting upset by the Carolina Panthers, 30-27, in truly disheartening fashion is the last thing this team needed coming out of Week 6.
The Panthers simply played bully ball, running the football for 216 yards, keeping the pressure on Dak Prescott and the Dallas offense. This set up the star quarterback to make the worst type of history. According to Todd Archer of ESPN, "Dak Prescott is the 1st QB to have 11 or more Pass TD/Rush TD, 0 turnovers and a non-winning record over a 3-start span."
Needless to say, this is the most frustrating type of history a star QB can make. This directly points to the failures of owner Jerry Jones and defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. The offense put up 27 points and was consistently under pressure against what was expected to be one of the league's worst rosters. Yet, the defense was incapable of offering any support. It is truly maddening and points to a failure in roster building as Dallas is wasting an impeccable season from Dak. The quarterback has played at an MVP level and is stuck with a losing record due to a complete defensive collapse.
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is a Part of the Worst Type of NFL History
The Cowboys are 2-3-1 while Prescott has passed for 1,617 yards and 13 touchdown passes to only 3 interceptions. These are elite numbers that should be pushing the franchise to the top of the NFC East. Instead, Dallas hasn't taken advantage of those offensive efforts due to poor roster construction. Owner Jerry Jones was far too distracted with a petty war of words with former star defender Micah Parsons to worry about adding the necessary pieces to an underwhelming defense.
Perhaps the only notable addition is failing coordinator Matt Eberflus, who has had zero answers over the last weeks of the season. It is hard for fans to remain patient with a group of decision makers wasting another prime season from their star quarterback.
This isn't to argue that the Cowboys would be an elite contender with a handful of additions. Rather, it points out the reality of just how high a level Prescott has reached in what appears to be another lost campaign.
Back-to-back losses from the hated Philadelphia Eagles have opened the door to division contention, while the NFC wildcard picture remains wide open as well. Those realities only make the lack of results behind these standout performances from Prescott tougher for the fan base to swallow.
It will be interesting to see how Jones and the front office respond after what was an eye-opening loss. One that exposed just how much is being asked of their quarterback and makes it clear that major defensive changes are due in the coming weeks of the season.