NFL pundits weigh in on Dallas Cowboys after loss: ‘It was fun while it lasted’
The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff hopes have gone on life support following the team’s “Sunday Night Football” loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
How far did they fall down various NFL power rankings after the loss?
Todd Archer, ESPN
We’ve talked about wide receiver George Pickens‘ future ad nauseam. Let’s look at [running back Javonte Williams] instead. He has career highs in carries, rushing yards and touchdowns (10) this season. He tore his ACL in 2022 but has been healthy since. He turns 26 in April. But in the past two years, the Cowboys have found 1,000-yard rushers with an undrafted free agent (Rico Dowdle) and a low-cost free agent (Williams). Do they think it’s worth keeping Williams? They will likely set a price and not exceed their budget. And the franchise tag would not be an option because that seems destined for Pickens.
Ranking: No. 17 (Prev. No. 15)
Eric Edholm, NFL.com
The Cowboys haven’t officially been eliminated from postseason play, but practically speaking, Sunday night’s home loss to Minnesota essentially marked the end of all realistic hope. The ‘Boys almost certainly needed to pull an inside straight over their final four games, but it was disappointing to see the defense suffer through another long game and the offense come up short in key situations against the Vikings. Can’t really blame this one on Dak Prescott, as the pressure was immense, and George Pickens was held in check once more.
Ranking: No. 19 (Prev. No. 19)
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk
It was fun while it lasted.
Ranking: No. 19 (Prev. No. 17)
Frank Schwab, Yahoo Sports
Jerry Jones said after the Cowboys fell under .500 with a home loss to the Vikings: “We certainly didn’t think we’d be here in this kind of shape with three games to go and be behind the eight ball the way we are.” The troubling part is that he didn’t see it coming. The Cowboys are a mediocre team. That hasn’t changed all season. You can’t properly build a roster if you don’t have self-awareness to know where you stand. Jones is the last to know his team isn’t very good.
Ranking: No. 17 (Prev. No. 14)
Staff, Bleacher Report
Technically, the Cowboys aren’t eliminated from postseason consideration just yet. But the team was never really a threat to make the playoffs; not while fielding one of the NFL’s worst defenses. Those defensive shortcomings were on full display Sunday night. This was a game where Dallas outgained Minnesota by nearly 100 yards and the Vikings converted just two of nine third-down tries. But when the Cowboys had to make a play on that side of the ball they didn’t.
Ranking: No. 21 (Prev. No. 18)
Ralph Vacchiano, Fox Sports
They had a fun little run back to relevance, but let’s face it: We all always knew their terrible defense was going to spell their doom.
Ranking: No. 20 (Prev. No. 17)
Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated
Did we all enjoy those horrific two weeks when we thought Jerry Jones had outfoxed the NFL with a troika of Brian Schottenheimer, George Pickens and Kenny Clark? Ah, sweet normalcy setting back in.
Ranking: No. 20 (Prev. No. 15)
Nate Davis, USA Today
They’re 4-1-1 when WR George Pickens has at least 80 receiving yards and 2-6 when he doesn’t. That franchise tag is coming, buddy.
Ranking: No. 20 (Prev. No. 15)
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
The Cowboys have been going in the wrong direction right when they need to rally with their offense but their defensive shortcomings have been much too hard to overcome.
Ranking: No. 19 (Prev. No. 16)
Diante Lee, The Ringer
I try not to allow my sensibilities as a high school defensive coordinator to ruin my NFL viewing experience, but I can’t stand to watch awful defense for long. The Cowboys ran me away from my television on Sunday night, as they allowed the Vikings offense to have whatever it wanted.
Ranking: No. 14 (Prev. No. 12)
