It's sad to say that the boys couldn't pull out a win against the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. In an overtime loss that resulted in a final score of 31-28, the Dallas Cowboys lost a historic game. Before this game, the Cowboys were 195-0 when leading the 4th quarter by 14+ points. That amazing streak ended dreadfully as the Packers scored 14 unanswered points in the 4th, forcing overtime.
While many fingers are being pointed in this loss, here are some of the things that went sideways in this game that allowed the Packers to overcome the Cowboys.
Coaching:
While I was going to save the main problem until the end, I figured it would be best to explain what the big issue of this game was. Head Coach Mike McCarthy made some very questionable calls this game. One of the huge slip-ups occurred during overtime.
While in Green Bay Packer territory, the Cowboys were faced with a close 4th down decision. While most people would kick a field goal and trust your unstoppable defense, Mike decided to go for it. With greed and uncertainty, the Cowboys did not convert.
Even after the game, McCarthy defended his decision and said it was the right call at the time. Sadly Mike couldn't hear the thousands of Cowboy fans screaming at their TV to not do it. This play was only one of the examples, however, this call was the big reason the Packers won.
Turnovers:
No, I am not here to rip on Quarterback Dak Prescott, but his two interceptions did not help Sunday. While he recorded 265 yards and three touchdowns, it seems like he had a rather good game overall, which he did. However, those two interceptions caused some of the chaos that later occurred in the game.
The offense needs to work on better passing plays and decision-making. I also will include the Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore for some of these turnovers. The plays were not a strong-willed call. I am so sick of seeing one well-called game, and then an awful game.
Mindset:
Going to go out on a strange riot here for a moment. I feel like the Cowboys are losing their winning mindset here. It felt like Dallas thought this would be an easy win which it wasn't. If you think that beating Aaron Rogers is going to be easy (even in his off years) then he's going to surprise you.
How to fix this? Show the players the bigger picture. I know most coaches say “we are just going one day at a time.” This is usually safe, but when you are in the hardest division this year, it's best to show your soldiers what they are fighting for. They need more motivation on the team altogether.
This last one is a long shot and I don't think it's as important as the other two problems, but I still think that the Cowboys team can be a lot better on some of their motivation and mind power.
Honestly, a very poor game was played Sunday and I hope this kind of performance doesn't happen again. The Cowboys' season is still going steady at a 6-3 record but their next opponent will be the fearless Minnesota Vikings.
For now, give Kellen Moore some more practice at calling better plays at certain times and give Mike McCarthy a reason to kick a field goal in overtime. For Dak, it's best to practice his decision-making this week. An important game approaches, and Dak must be on his “no mistakes” setting to pull it off.
