The Dallas Cowboys woke up staring at a brutal number: 9%. That’s the updated playoff probability, per reporter Jon Machota, after Dallas’ loss against the Detroit Lions. Most teams would sulk. Some would point fingers. But franchise QB, Dak Prescott, made it clear the Cowboys aren’t dead, and they sure as hell don’t plan to act like they are.
“The guys are pissed off right now,” Prescott said. “I don’t think this is any deflated moment like our hands are up, we’re done. No. Absolutely not. I think you’re gonna get a team that’s pissed. I hope it pisses people off the right way and we use it as fuel.”
Dallas can boost its playoff odds to 40% by sweeping its final four games, but doing so requires urgency and near-perfect execution, which has escaped them in critical situations.
Detroit put up 523 total yards on the Cowboys, with Jahmyr Gibbs scoring three rushing touchdowns to help control the game from start to finish. Dallas’ defense struggled to get stops, allowing long, sustained Lions drives throughout the night. But the penalty calls were also against the Cowboys. That’s why George Pickens also called out the controversial call.
On offense, the Cowboys hurt themselves with two Dak Prescott interceptions, both coming in key moments that stalled potential scoring chances. The loss also dropped Dallas to 2–5 on the road, continuing their season-long issues away from home.
Reporters noted the Lions simply executed better on both sides of the ball, winning at the line of scrimmage and dictating the tempo without needing anything complicated.
And with four games still to play, fans fear America’s Team might miss the postseason. But here is what head coach Schottenheimer wanted to say to the fans when asked about their playoff odds after a hit by Detroit.
When asked if the loss damaged their chances, Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer kept it blunt. “I don’t know,” HC said. “We’re just going to keep playing. We don’t control who wins and loses. We just control what we can do. Really proud of the group. I told them that. Four games in 17 days, they battled their asses off. … I just think we didn’t execute very well. And that starts with me.”
Prescott’s fire and Schottenheimer’s realism paint the same picture. The Cowboys have been hunting for the Super Bowl matchup for the past 30 years. And as they are 40% close to the playoffs this season, they are not folding. Four games remain, and Dallas has no choice but to attack it angry, sharp, and perfect.
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