The Dallas Cowboys lost again on Sunday to the Atlanta Falcons. It is Dallas' third consecutive loss and they once again trailed by two scores late before a last-ditch touchdown made the final score look respectable.
It could be a season-ending loss on multiple fronts. Not only is Dallas 3-5, but Dak Prescott left in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury. While Prescott is not having a banner season, it goes without saying that losing him for any period of time would be the Cowboys' death knell.
Prescott described the "pull" in his hamstring as something he's never felt before. He exited the field postgame with a noticeable limp in his stride. All Jerry Jones could say of his quarterback is that he's "concerned.
Jones spilled the beans after Sunday's loss and the verdict is not surprising.
Jerry Jones hints Cowboys will be buyers before NFL trade deadline
Jones said the Cowboys "have some things in the mill" regarding the trade deadline. While Jones stopped short of saying a big move is in the works a la the 2018 trade for Amari Cooper, he said "we'll probably do a couple things this week" and that he's "a long way from being dismayed about this time this year," via Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
There's little reason to believe Jones when he speaks behind a microphone. He made sure to add caveats like "It takes two to tango," so we wouldn't go expecting the Cowboys to be overly aggressive over the next 48 hours.
However, that Jones seemingly isn't ready to punt on the season is peak delusion. Both the Commanders and Eagles won on Sunday to improve to 7-2 and 6-2, respectively. Winning the division is not possible. Additionally, the 6-3 Packers currently hold the second Wild Card spot in the NFC. Sneaking into the playoffs is not within Dallas' purview, either.
This team simply doesn't have what it takes to turn the season around.
Injuries and lousy roster construction notwithstanding, the Cowboys are poorly coached, commit stupid penalties and can't tackle to save their lives. Worst of all is future Hall of Famer Zack Martin has seemingly confronted Father Time and the normally-steady Prescott is having his worst season.
It has the feeling of a cursed season in Dallas. Whatever heartbeat remains, Jerry Jones is (allegedly) ready to break out the defibrillator.
Whatever that means.