After losing to the Atlanta Falcons 27–21 and dropping to a dismal 3-5 season record, the Dallas Cowboys had yet another difficult weekend. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy clearly lost his cool, and starting quarterback Dak Prescott was sidelined with a hamstring issue, so this Week 9 loss wasn’t just painful on the scoreboard.
Cowboys keep getting worse under Mike McCarthy
Early in the second quarter, when wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was on a crucial 4th-and-1 at Atlanta’s 45-yard line and McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer called an end-around play, the irritation grew.
Lamb was tackled for a three-yard loss by the Falcons defense, who immediately reversed possession. After rewatching the unsuccessful play, a visibly frustrated McCarthy threw out his arm in shock before venting his annoyance on his Microsoft tablet and smashed it to the ground.
The Cowboys‘ difficulties later in the game appeared to be predicted by this ferocious moment. Dallas tried a fake punt on a 4th-and-2 in the third quarter, but it missed an interception and did not result in a first down. The Cowboys later lined up with 12 players in the huddle after a misunderstanding on a 4th-and-1, forcing another turnover on downs.
These errors only served to highlight the Cowboys’ inability to generate any momentum against the Falcons’ well-prepared defense.
Dak Prescott has been ruled out for the remainder of the game with a hamstring injury.
(📺 FOX) pic.twitter.com/Re22ylTnwZ
— ESPN (@espn) November 3, 2024
The injury to Dak Prescott might lead to further collapse
As Dak Prescott was observed undergoing medical treatment on the sidelines during the fourth quarter, the situation worsened. Prescott was initially thought to have a hand problem, but a hamstring injury quickly ruled him out.
The injury was obviously severe enough to keep Prescott out of the game for the remainder of it, as seen by the replay of a play in which he seemed to have been hurt on a pass from the pocket.
Prescott had completed 18 of 24 throws for 133 yards and one touchdown before to his departure. He also made three rushing attempts for 30 yards, displaying some uncommon mobility.
