Playoffs

The Dallas Cowboys faced their second consecutive loss, falling to the Miami Dolphins with a 22-20 defeat in NFL Week 16. The outcome left observers with a sense of frustration about “America’s Team,” with coach Mike McCarthy acknowledging significant errors that proved costly in a closely contested game against a formidable opponent.

In games where the margin is narrow, the Cowboys encountered road challenges that led to their failure. Mistakes such as the Dak Prescott/Hunter Luepke fumbled exchange and untimely penalties, including Damone Clark’s face-mask penalty, contributed to the narrow loss. McCarthy emphasized the team’s resilience and grit but acknowledged the need to elevate their performance on the road, stating, “Road warriors we will be.”

Despite the positive outlook, concerns linger about the Cowboys’ struggles on the road, with self-inflicted wounds being a recurring theme. The “Texas Coast Offense” faced challenges, and while the defense showed improvement against the Dolphins, it fell short of making the crucial final stop. Crucial penalties once again left the Cowboys lamenting their defeat at Hard Rock Stadium.

McCarthy remains optimistic about the team’s ability to be “road warriors” in the postseason. However, addressing road challenges is crucial in the remaining regular-season games against the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders. The Cowboys must rectify these issues to enter the playoffs with confidence and refute the notion that opponents’ laments of “it’s always something” should define their journey.