The Cowboys’ season is an utter mess, and for a few players and coaches, this could be their final ride.
Fans across the country have watched this season go almost as badly as it can for this iteration of the team. From injuries to lackluster performances, the real story is a handful of veterans who could be playing their final season in a Cowboys uniform.
Not only are several members of the coaching staff looking for the season to end to get away from the circus Jerry Jones has created, but it will come with many more losses and a high draft pick.
The high draft picks could mean higher-upside players with lower cap hits. The downside is several rookies will be asked to make an impact early next season.
Let’s look at the players and staff who are probably looking for greener pastures.
The Final Ride for Several Coaches
The first coach to go will be Head Coach Mike McCarthy.
Coach McCarthy had a strong run, going 12–5 for a few seasons, but the lack of playoff success and the offense’s regression this year will be his demise.
The antiquated offense and his hands being tied on personnel decisions by the front office have made Mike McCarthy’s job extremely difficult.
Retirement seems like the most obvious decision because his offensive system doesn’t work and is predictable. Seeing Coach McCarthy getting a consultant job could be possible with another team, but another coaching job seems less likely.
The entire offensive coaching staff should be looking for jobs along with Mike McCarthy.
The offensive line, passing game, and running game have regressed. McCarthy cannot be the only coach to be blamed for this year’s terrible performances.
Is Jerry Jones to blame? Absolutely, but as much as fans want it to happen, it is not even remotely possible for him to give up control.
So, the coaching staff will take the ride to unemployment line.
Along with the offensive side of the ball, the defense has more than regressed. It has been one of the worst in the NFL after fans were spoiled for several seasons by being in the top five.
Mike Zimmer is in the same boat as McCarthy. His defense is old-fashioned, and offenses can figure it out after a few series.
The entire defensive coaching staff needs an overhaul. The only holdover I could see staying is Al Harris, who should be a defensive coordinator after his work with this secondary.
The Veteran Players that Are Good as Gone
A few big-name veteran players could be in their final ride with the Dallas Cowboys.
The first player to go after this season will be Zack Martin, who has not only regressed, probably due to injuries, but talked about retirement before the season.
This year has not been kind to Zack Martin, as he has given up sacks and more penalties than any other year of his career. The sad thing is that his Hall of Fame career could end without a Super Bowl on a very low note.
According to sportskeeda.com, Zack Martin has given up 3.25 sacks this year, and only nine games into the season, he is .75 away from his season high of four sacks allowed last season.
Not only is that number up, but his sack yards allowed through nine games are at 20.5 yards. Last season, the most yards given up per sack was 29 in 15 games.
The regression is noticeable, and his body is probably not letting him perform at the level he expects. This is why retirement is possible unless this offensive line gets an upgrade to help him.
The next player on the list not likely to return is DeMarcus Lawrence, who is a free agent after this season.
At 32 years old, the front office must decide on the aging defensive end. Is it worth bringing him back next year or getting younger at the position?
Depending on the following coaching staff, DeMarcus Lawrence may move on to a team built to win now, much like the DeMarcus Ware ordeal several years ago.
DeMarcus Lawrence is still a great player and should give the defense a boost if he returns this season, but it may be too little too late for his Dallas Cowboys career.
With the defense clearly taking several steps back this season and the team as a whole needing to fill so many holes, a big contract for him may not be in the team’s best interest.
The money saved could be used elsewhere to try and rebuild parts of a team severely lacking talent.
A reunion with Dan Quinn and becoming a Washington Commander seems like the most likely outcome for DeMarcus Lawrence.
The coaching staff evidently needs an overhaul next season. The two veteran players may come as a surprise, but is it shocking?
The front office has major decisions ahead with several players and coaches. Seeing what this front office is capable of does not give fans much confidence.
If, and this is a big if, Jerry Jones and the company can relinquish some control to get a hot young coach, the team could start taking significant steps forward. Several key players are in place for the future, and now it’s on the owner to get the team back on track.
Guys and gals, let’s not get our hopes up on drastic changes, but this season could put some things into perspective for the front office. If so, we may be in for an exciting offseason.
One thing is sure, this will be the final ride for a few Cowboys.