The regret was oozing from Mike McCarthy.
There are plenty of exciting storylines attached to the Washington Commanders' upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys. This is among the league's most historic rivalries. One that has some added spice in 2024 thanks to the growing connections between the two clubs.
This all centered on Dan Quinn making the move from Dallas to become Washington's head coach. Several coaches followed the respected figure to the Commanders. The same goes for players out of contract, who all jumped at the chance to work with him again in a different environment.
Their decision is bearing fruit.
The Commanders remain in strong contention for a postseason spot despite losing versus the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles - two of the NFL's best teams. Things aren't going nearly as well in Dallas, who are in complete freefall with seemingly no hope remaining in 2024.
One of the primary catalysts behind their demise centers on their defensive failings. Losing Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong Jr. to the Commanders in free agency is a blow being sorely felt. They weren't replaced effectively enough and the Cowboys have paid a heavy price.
Mike McCarthy praises Commanders' pass-rushing duo before Week 12
Dallas' head coach Mike McCarthy admitted as much during his praise through gritted teeth regarding the pass-rushing duo. He also wished them nothing but misery this weekend to stoke the fires further before this divisional clash.
"Those guys went with an opportunity that they felt they needed to do. Everybody's situation is different. I'm proud of those guys. They're playing very well. Dante's off the charts. DA is so damn consistent in the way he's played. The video I've seen of him, I've been very impressed. That's how this game works. The financial component, it changes your team every year. That's why this is always such a challenge. It changes the dynamic. I'm happy that they got a great opportunity, and I hope they play like s--t Sunday."
- Mike McCarthy via CBS Sports
This is largely the sentiment between the parties involved. There is mutual respect, but this is all business. The stakes are high for the Commanders as they look to get their playoff aspirations back on track. Dallas is playing the role of spoiler, which is an unusual occurrence in this fixture but one they'll be striving to achieve.
McCarthy is feeling the heat. He's out of contract at season's end and won't want his former defensive coordinator piling on more misery. The motivation might be there from Dallas' perspective, but the on-field talent is sorely lacking.
The Commanders must seize the moment. Fowler and Armstrong will play a significant role in any success that comes their way. Dallas' offensive line is far from the force of old, so there's an opportunity to impose themselves and make struggling quarterback Cooper Rush more uncomfortable than ever.
If this scenario comes to fruition and the Commanders turn the tide on recent results against the Cowboys, one could forgive McCarthy for harboring more regret at the way owner/general manager Jerry Jones handled roster matters during the offseason. Even though he'll be paying the price when it's all said and done.
