The Cowboys blew a 14-point lead and lost at home for the first time In franchise history Sunday, quarterback Dak Prescott may have understated things when he called it “one of the toughest losses” of his career.
Arizona scored 20 points in the final 11 minutes of regulation, then missed an extra point that would have given it a victory. The reprieve didn’t spark the Cowboys as they scored three points on their only possession before the Cardinals’ game-winning field goal in overtime.
The extent of the collapse during a season that was marked by other disappointing performances led to questions about head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s job security. Prescott was adamant after the loss that everything can’t rest on Schottenheimer’s shoulders.
“It’s all of us,” Prescott said via the team’s website. “Do not put the fault is on one person. As simple as that. I think it’s weak. I think it’s cowardice. This game is about the 11 players who touch the field and each person who participates, coaches and support staff. It’s never just one person’s fault. Even if I go out there and throw a bunch of interceptions, it’s never really one person’s fault. So, don’t take the easy and cheap route. It’s about us and it’s about us supporting him and we support each other and we’ll have to show it.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he doesn’t think about a mid-season coaching change, but he also called the defeat “an indictment of the entire spectacle” and Schottenheimer’s work puts him at the top of the pile. This could end up working out well for him if the 3-5 team can claw its way past the Giants to win the NFC East, but there’s little in their performance to this point in the season that suggests they’re capable of that kind of consistent success.
Gn sports
